MARLON KING has been told he may have to quit the game in three years due to the condition of his knee.

The 27-year-old underwent a stringent two-day medical at Craven Cottage at the weekend after Watford accepted a £5m cash offer for the 11-goal striker.

Tests and scans revealed King has a deteriorating problem in his right knee and it understood that the problem is inoperable.

In November 2006, King underwent complex surgery to repair a small tear in his meniscus but upon closer inspection, the surgeon discovered there was piece of cartilage flapping and a bit of bone had come away. The operation sidelined King for six months.

In light of the results of the medical, Fulham asked Watford to drop the asking price and renegotiate the deal on a year-by-by instalment basis. The Hornets rejected the proposal and are understood to have made it clear King has no future at Vicarage Road.

Fulham may even end their interest altogether after signing Erik Nevland yesterday (Monday), leaving King in limbo.

Indeed, Hodgson already looks to have turned his attention to Daniel Cousins, the Glasgow Rangers striker.