Fulham are standing firm against Newcastle’s pursuit of midfielder Tom Cairney.
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has been quoted by The Chronicle as saying that Newcastle did offer £20million for midfielder Tom Cairney, but he will not be leaving.
The Cottagers enjoyed a strong season under Jokanovic, reaching the play-offs before losing out to Reading in the semi-finals.
One of the key players in Fulham’s impressive campaign was midfielder Tom Cairney, who joined the club from Blackburn Rovers in the summer of 2015 – and his statistics show just how important he was.
Fulham’s Tom Cairney celebrates
The Scotland international, 26, hit 13 goals and 10 assists in 47 appearances for Fulham this past season, whilst serving as the club’s vice-captain behind Scott Parker.
Cairney’s exploits saw him earn a place in the PFA Championship Team of the Year, and after Fulham missed out on promotion to the Premier League, speculation surrounds his future.
Fulham’s Tom Cairney looks dejected
The Telegraph reported last month that Newcastle, who were linked with Cairney in January, were again hoping to lure the midfielder to St. James’ Park, as Rafael Benitez looks to prepare for the Premier League.
Now, Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has been quoted by The Chronicle as saying that Benitez offered £20million for Cairney – presumably in January – but Fulham weren’t for selling.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
Jokanovic is adamant that Cairney is ‘not for Newcastle’, and completely ruled out doing business with the Magpies regarding the midfielder, as Fulham are determined to keep him.
“Yes, he’s good,” said Jokanovic. “He (Benitez) asked for him and they offered £20million, but we did not let him go. He is not for Newcastle, there is no business there, he fits in at Fulham. When the team has problems the ball always goes to him and he keeps it,” he added.
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