Fulham land Zakuani from Orient

Fulham have signed promising defender Gabriel Zakuani from Leyton Orient on a four-year deal, subject to a medical.

The 20-year-old will complete the move, which is for an undisclosed fee, once he passes his medical at Craven Cottage.

Zakuani, who made his international debut for the Democratic Republic of Congo in August last year, has become a regular in the Orient defence since making his debut as a 16-year-old in March 2003.

He becomes Cottagers boss Chris Coleman’s second signing of the summer, following the arrival of Jimmy Bullard from Wigan.

Coleman was delighted to capture a player who he had monitored for some time.

“I’m very happy that Gabriel has joined us this season,” Coleman told official club website, www.fulhamfc.com.

“He is a really bright prospect for the future and one that I have been keeping my eye on over the last couple of seasons.

“He has great maturity for his age and I believe that over time he will establish himself as a formidable force at the back.

“We managed to beat off considerable competition in the race for Gabriel’s signature, so I’m delighted that he has chosen to commit his future to Fulham for the long term.”