Brazilian side Cruzeiro are reportedly interested in signing Fulham forward Rodrigo Muniz in the January transfer window.

Muniz established himself as Fulham's first-choice striker in the second half of last season, scoring nine goals in 26 Premier League appearances.

The 23-year-old kept his place for the opening three games of the current season, but he has since been dislodged by Mexico international Raul Jimenez.

As a result, the Brazilian has had to settle for substitute appearances in five of the previous six top-flight matches.

Muniz has seen Jimenez cement his spot in Marco Silva's lineup by netting four goals across Fulham's last six Premier League games.

Cruzeiro eyeing Muniz move

According to Bolavip, Cruzeiro are weighing up a January move for Muniz after identifying the striker as a potential transfer target.

The report claims that Muniz has a connection to Cruzeiro because he revealed earlier this year that his family are fans of the club.

Cruzeiro are already drawing up plans for a possible bid, but they are aware that negotiations will be far from straightforward.

As per Transfermarkt, Muniz is currently valued at €20m (£16.7m), with the player under contract until June 2026 with an option to extend by a further year.

Will Fulham consider Muniz departure?

Silva can currently call upon Jimenez, Muniz and Carlos Vinicius as his main three centre-forward options, with the latter regarded as the third-choice striker.

With that in mind, Fulham are more likely to move Vinicius on in the new year than consider a departure for Muniz.

The Cottagers are unlikely to sanction Muniz's departure unless they receive an enticing offer and can find a suitable replacement.

Even if he were to leave Craven Cottage, the 23-year-old may be keen to stay in European football rather than consider a return to Brazil at this stage of his career. body check tags ::