The former Blackburn Rovers and Hull City man had an incredible 2016/17 season for Fulham, prompting heavy interest from Newcastle.
Fulham’s hopes for automatic promotion have been given a huge boost following the news that talismanic midfielder Tom Cairney has penned a new deal with the club until 2021, which has an option to be extended by 12 months, as reported by the club’s official website.
The 26-year-old was sublime last season for Fulham, with 13 goals and 10 assists coming in 51 games, while Cairney also made more successful passes – 3354 – and created more chances – 118 – than anyone else in the Championship, as reported by Opta.
Fulham’s Tom Cairney celebrates scoring their first goal
That form prompted Newcastle United to lodge a £20m bid for the Scotland international’s services, which was bravely rejected by Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic, as reported by the Daily Express, and this news isn’t likely to appease Magpies boss Rafael Benitez.
There had been heavy rumours that Benitez was willing to walk away from Newcastle following frustrations in the transfer market, though these were later quashed by club sources as reported by the Newcastle Chronicle, and this will be another blow for the Magpies’ transfer policy.
Fulham will not care in the slightest about grievances at St James’ Park however, as they’ve tied down arguably the best player in the entire division on a long term contract, which significantly boosts their hopes of achieving promotion at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Jokanovic’s side finished sixth in the Championship last season and lost in the play-offs to Reading, but it seems that the number one intention at Craven Cottage this summer is to be promoted via the automatic places.
Tom Cairney of Fulham scores his teams first goal
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