FulhamĀ have offered Papa Bouba Diop a new deal to fend off interest in the Senegal international.

Arsenal had been linked with the 6ft 4in midfielder as a replacement for Patrick Vieira.

Fulham have responded by offering a 12-month extension to the player they signed from Lens on a four-year contract in July 2004.

His agent Willie McKay said Bouba Diop was happy to stay with the West Londoners – but admitted the club could yet be tempted to cash in on their biggest asset.

“Fulham have offered him a new contract, which is suitable to him,” McKay said. “Bouba wanted to sign for a further year, and that’s what they’ve given him. So he’s quite happy and is focused on Fulham.”