Baresi set to leave Fulham

Fulham look set to part company with director of football Franco Baresi just days into the new Premiership season.

According to reports, the AC Milan legend is to return to Italy following a brief and ultimately unfruitful reign at the west-London club.

Baresi was appointed on a six-month probationary basis by chairman Mohamed Al Fayed in May, but his arrival had an unsettling influence on the players, with talk of a power struggle between the Italian and manager Jean Tigana.

Fayed had hoped Baresi would both raise the profile of the club as well as use his contacts to help attract top internationals.

However, it now seems Baresi is surplus to requirements.

Fulham and Holland goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar told The Guardian: "There is no problem any more. Baresi has gone and it is only Tigana now.

"Tigana has won the battle, but all the players like working with him and it is not a problem."