Mark Hughes will be drawing up a list of potential targets he believes will improve the Fulham squad (20/1 to finish in the top six), as he waits to be named as the club’s new manager ahead of the new Premier League season.

Fulham have opted for the former Manchester City boss to replace Roy Hodgson, who was allowed to leave to take over at Liverpool earlier this summer.

The Cottagers took their time with the appointment and several candidates were in the frame, in particular former Tottenham boss Martin Jol, who decided to stay at Ajax.

Hughes his since emerged as the man owner Mohamed al Fayed wanted to continue the good work Hodgson did at the club during his two-and-a-half-year reign at Craven Cottage.

The former Manchester United striker has big boots to fill, such was Hodgson’s reputation in west London, but many believe he was unfairly dismissed by the Eastlands club as they looked to appoint Roberto Mancini.

Before that, Hughes was also respected for the job he did while in charge of Blackburn between 2004 and 2009 and is expected to be able to attract some talented new players to Craven Cottage (Fulham 1/18 to stay up this season).

The Welshman has been tipped to raid City for several players, including the likes of strike duo Roque Santa Cruz and Craig Bellamy, who he knows very well, while other targets are likely to emerge in the next month.

Hodgson led Fulham, who finished 12th last season, to the Europa League final in May and, while Hughes does not have European football this season at the Cottage, he would do well to emulate his predecessor and guide the club to another top-seven finish like in 2009.

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