Fulham will be keen to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking, whilst under the management of newly-appointed boss Marco Silva.

The Cottagers were promoted into the top-flight in the 2019/20 season, after beating Brentford in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

But their stay in the Premier League was a brief one once again, as they finished 18th in the top-flight standings under the watchful eye of Scott Parker.

Parker has since left the club in favour of a move to fellow Championship side AFC Bournemouth, and the Craven Cottage faithful will be keen to see their side have no trouble in their efforts in attempted to return to the Premier League in the 2020/21 campaign.

Fulham are set to take on Middlesbrough in their season opener on Sunday 8th August, in what could potentially be a tricky test for Silva's side.

Before that game takes place though, Silva will be looking to add to his squad, as they look to adjust to life back in the second tier of English football.

One player that has already been linked with a move to Craven Cottage is defender Kean Bryan, who is currently a free agent after his time with Sheffield United reached a conclusion at the end of June.

But Fulham face tough competition to land Bryan's signature, with Watford and West Brom also believed to be keen on finalising a deal to sign the 24-year-old.

Bryan made 15 appearances in total for the Blades, although his efforts weren't enough, as they joined Fulham in being relegated into the Championship in the 2020/21 season.

Praise from pundit

Speaking in an interview with West Brom News, former Baggies striker Kevin Phillips felt as though Bryan has been 'fairly solid' in his time with Sheffield United.

"I don’t know too much about him but from what I have seen, he’s fairly solid. He could fit quite nicely into the defence."

It remains to be seen as to which club is leading the race to sign the defender, but Fulham should be looking to do all they can to strike an agreement with Bryan in the near future.

Age is on Bryan's side

At the age of 24, Bryan is likely to still have his best years ahead of him, and he could be a shrewd signing by Marco Silva's side, especially if he can hit the ground running and play his part in Fulham's bid for promotion this term.

Being on the books with Manchester City doesn't just happen by chance, and it says a lot about his ability and potential to go further moving forwards.

He's shown that he can perform to a relatively high standard whilst with Sheffield United in the Premier League, having made 13 appearances for the Blades, and on a free transfer, you have to feel as though this could be a great investment in the long-term for Fulham.

Bryan could be a great early addition to Silva's squad if Fulham can get a deal done.