Fulham let Goma go

Fulham have trimmed their squad in preparation for this summer’s expected new arrivals by releasing six players, including France defender Alain Goma.

Goma, Facundo Sava, Robert Watkins, Neale McDermott, Adam Green and Richard De Villiers have all been told they have no future at Craven Cottage.

Out of the six, only Goma has been a genuine first-team player but he was used sparingly towards the end of the current Barclays Premiership campaign.

Fulham hoped to extend the 33-year-old’s contract, which expires this summer, but negotiations reached stalemate and the decision has been made to let him go.

Goma was the club’s record signing in 2001 when he agreed a £4m (€5.9m) move from Newcastle, but frequently saw his career in west London interrupted by injury.

A statement issued by Fulham today read: “The club would like to thank all the players for their services and contributions and wishes them all the best for the future.”

Manager Chris Coleman has already made one signing this summer with Wigan midfielder Jimmy Bullard completing a £2.5m (€3.7m) switch on Monday.

Armed with a substantial transfer kitty, thought to be over £6m (€8.8m), Coleman is hoping to bring in at least two more new faces during the transfer window.

A permanent deal for Wayne Bridge, who spent the second half of the season on loan from Chelsea, is a priority but the England’s left-back’s £5m (€7.4m) price tag could be prohibitive.

The sale of Steed Malbranque could raise funds, however, with the £5m (€7.4m)-rated French midfielder going on the transfer list last weekend after failing to agree a contract extension.