Dimitar Berbatov
Berbatov's presence at Fulham could be vital next season. (Reuters)

Having meandered to a season that wasn't without its moments of panic in the latter stages, Fulham have wasted no time in attempting to address some of the problems which marked one of Martin Jol's worst ever seasons in this league.

The Cottagers have never been recognised as West Londoners big spenders, and it has been suggested that a club who have begun to stagnate since their Europa League marvels in 2010 are need of some severe regeneration to prevent another uninspiring mid table finish.

Selling their prized assets in Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey in the final week of the summer transfer window left Fulham shell shocked last season, and perhaps the most imperative factor this time around is simply to avoid dropping such a clanger and ensure that their business is concluded in a timely fashion this year.

Business so far

To be fair, they look to be doing just that. While the transfer business of most Premier League clubs still remains confined to the gossip columns, Fulham have commendably secured a number of positive additions to their team. In the past weeks the club have secured deals for Fernando Amorebieta, the towering Basque centre half who's presence alongside Brede Hangeland in defence is a formidable prospect for many, and the experienced Ghana international Derek Boeteng, recruited from Ukrainian outfit Dnipro.

The club have also secured a deal for Sascha Riether, who was named as the club's Player's player of the year after a season long loan spell from Cologne, who proved to be far more capable presence at right back than Stephen Kelly, who was jettisoned to Reading in January. Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has also been signed from AS Roma for an undisclosed fee.

What they need

Considering the club lost someone who is swiftly becoming one of the league's best midfielder's in Mousa Dembele, you can forgive Fulham for struggling to fill the void left by the Belgian last season. Many of Jol's attempts to restore a formidable midfield presence failed. While Emmanuel Frimpong's loan spell was punctured by injury, the Eyong Enoh project failed to come to fruition and Steve Sidwell failed to capitalise on Dembele's departure and merely fell into the shadows. A priority for Jol this summer must be addressing the lack of a commanding presence in the centre of the park.

Who could join

The Cottagers have been linked with a move former Liverpool wide man Ryan Babel, whose pace and tricky could bring something to Fulham's restricted wide options, although the former Ajax starlet comes with his own reputation for the unexpected.

Who could leave

While Dimitar Berbatov successfully did his job last season in grabbing 15 goals and softening the blow of the loss of Dempsey, the mercurial Bulgarian is likely to attract the attention of clubs from across the continent again this summer with Turkish giants Galatasaray once again linked with a move. Fulham's other forward options, Mladen Petric, Bryan Ruiz and Hugo Rodallega, offered 13 goals between them, suggesting the Cottagers could struggle if they lose the former Manchester United striker.

The arrival of Stekelenburg may also spell the end for veteran stopper Mark Schwarzer who at 40 years old may decide to look elsewhere in order to guarantee regular first team football.

What the manager has said

"We have to pay a lot of money for these players. Of course if you have got players on loan you won't generate a lot of money.

"They go back, you don't get any money for them. We have to be creative again but from the names you named, there is already one on board. But I will talk to the press next weekend and we will confirm everything."

Manchester United FC London