Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic insists that he has the power to keep his star players at the club this summer, despite growing interest from the Premier League.
Jokanovic masterminded a late promotion surge that saw Fulham qualify for the Championship play-off semi-final, only to be defeated in a two-legged tie by rivals Reading.
However, despite being condemned to yet another season competing outside England’s top-tier, Jokanovic issued an emphatic response to the reported interest, insisting he expects his best players to stay at the club.
The likes of midfielder Tom Cairney and dazzling wide man Ryan Sessegnon, 17, have been heavily coveted by Premier League clubs ahead of the summer transfer window, and interest is likely to grown again in the coming weeks.
But the Fulham board have absolutely no intention to allow their most prized assets to leave Craven Cottage at any point this summer, even if it means passing up the opportunity of making a healthy profit.
Jokanovic said, as quoted by Get West London: “I expect our best players are going to stay with us – this is the information I have from the board.
“We are talking about our most important players – they are going to stay with us. Next season will be complicated. We’ll push to be promoted. We must be clever in the period in front of us.”
It was reported by the Telegraph last month that Premier League new boys Newcastle United were set to re-ignite their interest in Fulham midfield star Cairney, having gone empty-handed in their pursuit in the winter.
The Magpies saw their efforts to land the 26-year-old fall well short in January, after being told by Fulham that the Scotland international would cost them at least £20million.
Yet, while they are still hungry to bring his talents to St. James’ Park, Jokanovic insists that he will not be for sale.
Meanwhile, the Sun have reported that Tottenham are leading an elite contingent of Liverpool and Manchester City to sign teenage full-back Sessegnon.
The wonderkid was in terrific form last season, scoring seven goals and supplying four assists from 30 appearances in all competitions for Fulham.
The report states that Tottenham are willing to offer £12million for his services, but once again, Jokanovic has responded to the interest by insisting he will be staying at the club.