Cottagers identify long-term replacement for Schwarzer.
Fulham are closing in on a deal to bring highly-rated AS Roma keeper Maarten Stekelenburg to Craven Cottage at the end of the season, says Goal.com.
The West London club came close to signing the Netherlands international during the recent January transfer window, only for the deal to collapse at the very last minute.
However, head coach Martin Jol is desperate to bring in a top-level replacement this summer for veteran Aussie shot-stopper Mark Schwarzer, who is 40 and nearing the end of his career at the highest level.
And former Ajax No 1 Stekelenburg, who Jol knows well from their time both working for the Eredivisie club, would be an ideal candidate to take over from the Australia international.
The 30-year-old goalkeeper is regarded as being one of European football’s most solid and dependable keepers, having won 54 Dutch caps for the Oranje in an outstanding eight-year international career.
And, despite a contract in the Italian capital that runs until May 2015, Stekelenburg is not expected to cost Fulham more than £5 million.
