Coleman plans £5m dual bid

Chris Coleman is about to launch a £5million double swoop for Norwich City's Damien Francis and Charlton's Paul Konchesky.

The Fulham manager has funds following the sales of Edwin van der Sar and Lee Clark and his transfer kitty is expected to be boosted when Luis Boa Morte moves to Liverpool or Newcastle.

Norwich are keen to hold onto their 26-yearold, who scored seven goals from central midfield last season, but much could depend on Francis's desire to return to the top flight.

A deal for Konchesky, 24, should be more straightforward. The former England international has become frustrated that his career has stalled and would welcome regular first-team football at Fulham. Coleman, though, may face competition for him from West Ham.

Australian international midfielder Ahmad Elrich has agreed a three-year contract at Fulham after signing from Korean club Busan Icons. Coleman said: "He trained with us for a week in May and he showed blistering pace to rival even the fastest players in our squad."

Meanwhile, Brentford today signed 35-year-old former Crystal Palace and Millwall midfielder Ricky Newman on a free transfer from Reading.