Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz could well be set to stay at Craven Cottage, despite persistent links regarding a move elsewhere.

What's the word?

According to respected journalist Alan Nixon, the 21-year-old appears in line to remain part of Marco Silva's plans this season, despite reports that Championship outfit Middlesbrough are eyeing a possible loan swoop.

Amid that interest, the transfer insider provided an update on the future of the Brazilian, writing on Twitter: "That one isn’t moving forward very quickly … still needed at Fulham … and they’ve not brought anyone extra in to force him away …"

The highly-rated forward only arrived in England on a five-year deal last summer, playing a bit-part role as the west London outfit secured promotion back to the Premier League.

Solomon replacement

The £4.5m-rated striker unsurprisingly found it difficult to usurp the prolific presence of Aleksandar Mitrovic in attack last term, with the Serbia international having scored a record-breaking tally of 43 league goals.

Despite having been largely resigned to a supporting role, Muniz still managed to showcase his "exciting" talent - as dubbed by Tony Khan - on occasion in his debut campaign with the Cottagers, scoring five goals from 28 appearances in all competitions - only four of which came from the start.

The 5 foot 10 menace had been earmarked as a hugely impressive prospect during his previous stint in Brazil - where he scored five goals in 25 games for Flamengo - with talent scout Jacek Kulig notably dubbing him a "revelation".

Also lauded for his "killer instinct" in front of goal by Kulig, the explosive forward could well prove something of a hidden gem for Silva and Fulham this season, despite having failed to make it off the bench in the opening weeks of the season.

Further involvement could also be on the cards following the cruel recent blow to summer signing Manor Solomon, with the winger set to be ruled out until after this year's World Cup after sustaining a knee injury in a behind-closed-doors match last week.

With the 23-year-old now expected to be on the sidelines for an extended period of time, it could well provide young Muniz with the chance to fill that attacking void, with the £7.5k-per-week ace having briefly featured on the flanks in his career thus far.

While there are reports that the Cottagers are plotting a move for a new striker in the form of Brighton and Hove Albion's Neal Maupay, the loss of Solomon should ensure that Muniz is kept at the club regardless, with Silva's squad already lacking attacking depth.