TWTD understands that former Fulham striker Steve Marlet will join the Blues on trial next week after being released by Lorient in the summer. Marlet won 23 senior French caps, and scored six goals.

The 33-year-old played alongside fellow Frenchman Sylvain Legwinski at Fulham and the midfielder is likely to be behind the Pithiviers-born striker's spell with the Blues.

The 5ft 11in tall frontman started his career with Red Star 93, moving into the French top flight with Auxerre in 1996 after six seasons with the second tier side. Marley joined Lyon in 2001, before Fulham paid £11.5 million for him in January 2002.

After failing to make a huge impression at Craven Cottage — 19 goals in 70 starts and eight sub appearances — Marlet moved to Marseille on loan in 2003 and eventually signed permanently with German side VfL Wolfsburg in 2005.

Marlet spent last season back in France with Lorient with whom he scored one goal in 22 appearances in the French first division.

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