Marco Silva calls for transfer action with Fulham 'very short in numbers' as new season draws nearer | OneFootball

Cottagers play Brighton in curtain-raiser this weekend

Marco Silva has claimed “there is no other solution” than to bring players in before the transfer window closes as they weigh up another bid for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Kevin.

Silva would not comment on individual transfers but was adamant that Fulham must strengthen before the end of the window.

“We all agree, in any club in the world, if you have the players as soon as you can, you are going to be stronger. If you don't use that time for that, it is what it is. I know the board is working to achieve something, the players I put to them that I want to sign."

Kevin, a right-footed left winger, scored nine goals and provided four assists in all competitions last season.

Standard Sport understands that Fulham’s opening offer was worth £26million and was turned down as expected.

Shakhtar are thought to be holding out for a fee closer to their £43m valuation.

Fulham have also shown an interest in Reiss Nelson from Arsenal as they look to bring in another winger this summer.

The 25-year-old spent last season on loan at Fulham and Silva is known to be a huge admirer of the Hale End graduate.

It’s been a quiet summer for the Cottagers, who have so far only brought in backup goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte from Montpellier.

The club’s focus has been on securing new deals for Tom Cairney, Kenny Tete and promising academy players Josh King and Seth Ridgeon.

But the west Londoners are now prepared to focus on bringing players in before the window shuts as they try to build on last season’s record Premier League points tally.

Silva called for more transfer activity in the final weeks of the window, admitting that his side had been too cautious on the arrivals front.

"Not the ideal scenario, I will not lie to you,” the Portuguese said.

“We have been too passive. Did I expect it? Of course not. It is what it is, it is the market.

"In some positions we are very short in numbers. Too passive, unexpected to be honest."