Fulham tie up Inamoto deal

Fulham today completed their audacious transfer swoop for Japanese World Cup star Junichi Inamoto.

The 22-year-old midfielder trained with Fulham this morning and although he has joined on a 12-month loan from Gamba Osaka, the £2.5million deal includes the option of a three-year extension option on a permanent contract.

Manager Jean Tigana wants Inamoto to prove he is worth a contract that will keep him at Fulham until 2006.

Inamoto is set to make his debut in Saturday's InterToto Cup thirdround match against Greek side Egaleo. Fulham scraped through yesterday with a 1-1 draw against FC Haka in Finland.

Inamoto, who scored twice for Japan in the World Cup, spent most of last season in Arsenal's reserves and failed to make a single appearance in the Premiership. He said: "London still appeals to me. I have joined Fulham, where they will play me. I have always thought it would be difficult to make it in England. It is very physical, but I can cope."

Tigana, who has already snapped up striker Facundo Sava and goalkeeper Martin Herrera, is also close to signing Vitesse Arnhem's Viktor Sikora from under the noses of Ajax. A fee has been agreed, believed to be just under £4m, and the Dutch midfielder is due for talks in London.

The 6ft Sikora scored 20 goals in 84 appearances for Vitesse and has won six international caps, the last in Holland's 2-0 win against the United States in May.

He said today: "I'm glad that there is good news at last. I didn't know which way it would turn with Fulham and Ajax, but now I do. I expect that I can come to an agreement with Fulham."