Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira has opened the door to a potential departure after he admitted that he spoke to Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi in the summer.
Pereira was heavily linked with a move away during the summer after he attracted significant attention with his impressive performances last season.
The Brazilian started 34 of his 37 Premier League appearances last term, contributing to Fulham's attacking efforts with three goals and seven assists.
Pereira emerged as a transfer target for French giants Marseille, who failed with a transfer bid in the summer transfer window.
Pereira confirms Marseille, Forest interest
In an interview with PL Brasil, Pereira admitted that Marseille and Nottingham Forest were both close to signing him in the summer.
"From overseas [England], an offer from Marseille, we talked, and unfortunately it didn't work out," Pereira said.
"In the last few days [of the window] there was also one from Nottingham Forest. It was the clubs that came closest to signing me, but there was a lot of interest [from others]."
Chelsea also reportedly held talks with Fulham over a move for Pereira, while Monaco spoke to the player's representatives about a potential switch to the principality.
Pereira expresses desire to play for De Zerbi
A summer departure failed to materialise, but Pereira has not ruled out the possibility of leaving the West London club in 2025.
Pereira admitted he would like to work with Marseille manager De Zerbi after he spoke to the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss during the summer transfer window.
"It would be really cool [to go to Marseille], given the way De Zerbi plays football," Pereira added. "I was looking at it positively, but we'll see now in January or at the end of the season if there will be a transfer or if I'll stay at Fulham."
Pereira's current Fulham contract runs until the summer of 2026, although the club have the option to extend his deal by a further 12 months.
Fulham reportedly placed a £35m valuation on the Brazil international in the summer and it remains to be seen whether they will demand a similar asking price in the new year.
Pereira remains a regular fixture in Marco Silva's side, having started all 12 of Fulham's Premier League matches this season, helping the club pick up 18 points to leave them in ninth position in the standings.
The 28-year-old is expected to feature in the middle of the park when Fulham face Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's away clash. body check tags ::
