FULHAM have officially joined the fight to sign Wanderers defender Tim Ream.

Neil Lennon confirmed after tonight’s 1-0 defeat to Burton Albion that the Cottagers have submitted a bid for the US international, which has been rejected.

It is understood that QPR have also upped their offer today for the 27-year-old – but they too have failed to meet the asking price, which is believed to be £2million.

“There has been an original bid from QPR and now there is one from Fulham,” Lennon told The Bolton News. “He’s not for sale. And neither club has reached the valuation of the player.

Asked whether he had a valuation for the versatile defender, who has been voted Wanderers’ player of the year for consecutive seasons, Lennon said he would have no say in the “magic number.”

“That’s a question you’d have to ask the board, the chairman or the owner. I won’t be making that decision,” he added.

“Once he’s fit, he’ll be part of my plans this season.”