Transfer news: Fulham confirm Bryan Ruiz has been told he can leave

The Costa Rica international is in discussion with various foreign clubs

Bryan Ruiz (GETTY IMAGES)

Bryan Ruiz is in discussion with a number of foreign clubs after being told he can leave Fulham, manager Rene Meulensteen has confirmed.

The 28-year-old was the biggest signing of Martin Jol's tenure, arriving at Craven Cottage in 2011 for a fee reported to be £10.6million.

However, Ruiz has rarely lived up to that price tag and the playmaker's indifferent form this campaign has led to Fulham fans to turn on him.

Meulensteen has confirmed the Costa Rica international can leave in January, with Real Betis and a return to the Netherlands amongst the possible destinations.

"The only progress in the transfer market that I can reveal to you is that we have allowed Bryan Ruiz to talk to a number of clubs to see if something can come out of that," he said, speaking ahead of Saturday's match with Sunderland.

"That is really as far as all the progress is concerned.

"I wouldn't call his signing a mistake because at that time it was probably for Fulham the right choice and the right investment.

"Don't get me wrong, he is a very good player. I've come in, I've looked at the squad, worked with these players, I've picked my teams on what I think are the right reasons and motivations, but I can also understand Bryan's point of view.

"He is a good player, has a World Cup coming up and he obviously needs to play, but I can't, like with any other player, guarantee that."

PA