Fulham have agreed a six month loan deal for Roma striker Stefano Okaka. The Cottagers also have an option to extend his contract by another year after the initial six month period. The deal has been finalised between the two clubs. The transfer of the Italy under-20 international will take place as soon as he agrees personal terms. Roma have agreed to the deal as Okaka has dropped down the pecking order at Stadio Olimpico after the arrival of Luca Toni from Bayern Munich.
Roy Hodgson lost his main target-man Bobby Zamora through injury in their last game against Stoke. Zamora who has dislocated his shoulder will take up to eight weeks to recover and Okaka is expected to play a major role in his absence.
Okaka has made 23 appearances for Roma since 2005 but has scored only once. He has achieved considerable success at loan spells away to Modena and Brescia. Okaka refused offers from Bari and Chievo to sign for Roy Hodgson. The Fulham manager is believed to be a big fan of the Italian and Roma’s sporting director Daniele Prade has also endorsed the deal, “He is 20 and the Premier League is the right tournament for him to prove his characteristics and potential.(Roy) Hodgson has already stated his full confidence in the player, the only thing missing is Stefano’s signature.”
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