Is Schwarzer's time up at Fulham?

Uncertain future ... could Mark Schwarzer's time at Fulham be over? Source: News Limited

Mark Schwarzer's time as Fulham goalkeeper could be nearing an end with the Cottagers close to making a decision about signing Sinan Bolat from Standard Liege.

Schwarzer has just turned 40, his contract runs out at the end of this year and he is not enjoying one of his best campaigns, sitting second on the list of goalkeepers with most goals conceded this season.

Bolat is a 24-year-old Turkish international and has been on trial with Fulham. Manager Martin Jol said a decision would be made on Bolat by January 3.

Schwarzer sat out Fulham's 2-1 loss to Swansea over the weekend with an apparent injury, but is expected to return for the New Year's Day clash against West Brom.

HOLMAN CALLS FOR VILLAINS TO CLEAN UP ACT

On the subject of leaking goals, Socceroos winger Brett Holman has called on Aston Villa to get their backline in order after conceding a mammoth 15 goals in the past three games - and scoring none.

Since Villa shocked Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield on December 15, they've fallen 8-0 to Chelsea, 4-0 to Tottenham and 3-0 to Wigan.

"You definitely have to go back to basics, shut the floodgates and say, 'No one is getting past us," Holman said.

"And when that chance does come, we have to take it.

"You can see we are not creating enough chances.

"When that happens, it's one of those (situations) when you are not going to be winning 3-1 at Liverpool, you are going to be nicking them."