Magath magic paying off and he now plans Fulham recruits

Fulham manager Felix Magath has brought his new club to within two points from safety (odds-on at 4/5) in the Premier League, following their crucial 1-0 victory over relegation rivals Norwich (7/4), and he is reportedly already planning summer recruits.

According to tabloids, former Bayern Munich manager mastermind Magath is to use his expert Bundesliga knowledge by swooping for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Alex Meier and Ricardo Rodriguez of Wolfsburg.

Experienced attacking midfielder Meier, 31, has been in fine form for his club this season so far, despite an injury-hit campaign, getting 14 goals and four assists from 26 games in all competitions. The giant player has been prolific, especially in the Europa League, scoring seven from six in the qualifiers and tournament proper.

The Cottagers have managed just 34 goals in the league this term and the addition of Meier would be a real help to improve those stats. Although scoring has been an issue, conceding has been more of a problem. Fulham have the worst defensive record in the league, having let in 74 goals from 34 matches – 10 more than the next worst Cardiff City.

That is why Switzerland international left back Rodriguez is being linked with a move to west London. The 21-year-old has been a star for fifth-placed Wolfsburg this season, remarkably playing every minute of every Bundesliga game.

Rodriguez, capped 19 times by his country, has helped his club with seven goals and eight assists from defence, and would be a real coup for Fulham. He would be an ideal replacement for the ageing John Arne Riise.

Magath’s men are still in 18th position, but his experience and tactical genius – he is a renowned chess enthusiast – put his side odds-on for safety. They are also odds-on to go down at 10/11 but, with Fulham winning their last two in the league, and three in five, it would be hard to back against them at this stage.

Former West Germany international Magath is a European Championship winner and featured in a World Cup final for his country as a player, as well as getting three Bundesliga’s and a European Cup with his club Hamburg – where he played with Kevin Keegan.