Fulham boss Chris Coleman is ready to plunge back into the transfer market when the window reopens in January.
Coleman is on a tight budget with chairman Mohamed Al Fayed no longer willing to dip into his personal fortune to fund high-profile signings, citing the need for the club to become self-financing.
The latest batch of recruits – Jarolsav Drobny, Heidar Helguson, Ahmad Elrich, Niclas Jensen and Phillippe Christanval – have all been signed on frees or for a small fee and Coleman will have to be equally frugal come January.
But the Fulham manager has been armed with a small transfer kitty and while a striker is not on his shopping list, he does intend to strengthen in other areas – while fighting off approaches for his own stars at the same time.
“Managers must keep looking every time in the transfer window, but I won’t be in the market for forwards,” said Coleman.
“I’ve got four good strikers in Tomasz Radzinski, Brian McBride, Collins John and Heidar Helguson so I’m happy in that department. I have got money to spend, though.
“I can’t shell out loads on two big players, but it’s encouraging to know that if we are struggling for bodies I can invest in more depth.
“I’ll be looking left and right – trying to bring in new players and keep hold of my best players. Managers are always looking to strengthen because players’ contracts come to an end and maybe want to move one or two on.
“You have to make sure if something comes up you nip in first to get him or have your ear to the ground to make sure your players are happy.”
