Fourteen years ago, having failed to sign David Ginola, the Club turned their attention to Paul Merson. please log in to view this image Link to pic: http://ts3.mm.bing.net/th?id=HN.608056095292066366&pid=15.1 âPaul Merson has been approached by Fulham about a move back to London. Owner Mohammed Al Fayed and manager Jean Tigana see Merson as the player to win promotion to the Premiership for the west London club. Fulham's interest has been known for some time and a £3M fee with Aston Villa has been agreed. After seemingly resurrecting his career, and enjoying a World Cup squad place with England in France '98, Paul's return to his club Middlesbrough took a turn for the worse as far as the Teesiders were concerned when, having played in just three Premiership matches in the new season, and taking the "Man of the Match" award in two of them, he requested a move. He moved to Aston Villa for £6.75m in mid September, scored on his debut at home to Wimbledon, and quickly proved to be an inspirational player among what was a young side. Predominantly playing in an attacking midfield role, behind the front two, he was just as comfortable in the out-and-out striker role, his versatility there for all to see. However following a back injury he has recently been on the bench as often as not and this is the lastest in the Merson "I'm leaving - I'm Staying - I'm leaving" summer saga.â In the end he stayed with Villa for another two seasons.
