If reports are to be believed, both Andrew Johnson and El Hadji Diouf are currently going through medicals as they close in on transfers to Fulham and Sunderland respectively.

Johnson was left behind whilst Everton departed for their US pre-season tour and a £10 million move is said to be on the table.

Diouf meanwhile is subject of a £2.5 million bid from Roy Keane’s Sunderland and the Senegalese forward is said to be at the ground today to finalise the deal.

Both would be interesting moves from a fantasy perspective. As I mentioned in my post yesterday, Diouf’s returns in previous seasons have never quite been enough to lift him above the pack of decent mid-price options. However, if he is handed the role of replacing the injured Kenwyne Jones as a permanent fixture up front, then his output could push on somewhat. There is however speculation that Sunderland are also closing on United Louis Saha to fill that role.

Johnson meanwhile, has struggled at Goodison after a promising start. Just 6 goals and 4 assists from 20 starts last season was not a good return from a striker who commanded a mid-to-high price across the fantasy games. His price has dropped this season but it’s questionable as to whether a move to Fulham will boost his fantasy appeal despite the prospect of 30+ starts. We’d certainly need to see evidence of form and confidence being restored before taking the plunge even with a mid-price fee.

However, with Johnson often putting in the leg work and creating space for players around him, it would appear that Zamora’ potential, a budget option across the games, would increase further as a result of Johnson’s arrival.