Fulham want Batistuta

AS Roma and Argentina striker Gabriel Batistuta says he will retire in 2003 but may still line up a spell in England.

Batistuta helped Roma to the Italian championship last season but has already announced he will retire from the Argentine national team after the 2002 World Cup finals.

He could leave Roma in the summer after strong recent interest from Chelsea with London club Fulham now leading the chase to sign the 32 year old.

Batistuta tells 'Gazzetta dello Sport' that intends to end his club career with Roma but Fulham are prepared to pay a very high price for the veteran

"I have clear ideas on the future," he says. "Roma is my last team."

Fulham owner Mohamed Fayed is prepared to pay $14 million to sign the former Fiorentina star and that could tempt Roma to sell.

"Next summer, I will play in my last World Cup with Argentina, then play out the last season with the club, and at the end of 2003 I will retire," he told 'Gazzetta'.

"After much consideration I may also choose to stay in Italy."

Batistuta can claimItalian citizenship through his now deceased grandfather, Domenico.

He hit 20 goals in 28 games last season for Roma but has been in poor form recently and suffering with knee injuries but Fulham are expected to try and make a quick purchase if possible of the striker next week when the Italian transfer market opens again. The Argentine has had several offers to move to England before and his agent is set to meet Fulham representatives soon.