Tom Cairney’s outstanding form at Fulham is understood to have piqued Newcastle United’s interest – but Crystal Palace cannot be discounted just yet.
Slavisa Jokanovic certainly deserves his chance in the Premier League. Harshly dismissed when guiding Watford to promotion in 2015 before turning an underachieving Fulham side into the most attractive, exciting team in the division, its little wonder he’s on Crystal Palace’s radar following the shock departure of Sam Allardyce.
The Sun claims that Jokanovic may be tempted by the opportunity to work in the top flight at last. And although Palace chairman Steve Parish would have to pay £3 million in compensation to break his Fulham contract, he is more than willing to do so for the right man.
And, if the straight-talking tactician does indeed rock up at Selhurst Park this summer, you can expect that Palace will jump straight to the front of the queue for Tom Cairney.
Crystal Cairney
The Telegraph reported recently that Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez was keen to make the 26-year-old one of his first summer signings after being impressed with the Scot’s performances last season.
Cairney scored 13 goals and laid on 11 assists during an outstanding campaign and also inspired Fulham’s 3-1 win at Newcastle in March with a lethal long-range strike.
The report adds that The Magpies will make a £12 million bid although Fulham want closer to £20 million for arguably the most gifted footballer in the Championship last season.
However, Jokanovic could be forgiven for wanting to take his talismanic playmaker with him wherever he ends up this summer. And Palace are hardly blessed with goalscorers in central midfield, meaning Cairney could add real end product alongside the class and combativeness of Yohan Cabaye and Luka Milivojevic.
Consequently, Newcastle may be hoping Jokanovic spurns Palace’s advances.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
