Fulham’s contract talks with Steed Malbranque have reached stalemate with boss Chris Coleman admitting he must sell the French midfielder if he fails to agree a new deal.
Malbranque’s magnificent end to the season has put him in the shop window but Fulham are desperate to keep their £5million-rated playmaker, who turned down a move to Manchester City last summer.
The 26-year-old has one year left to run on his current contract and Coleman knows the need to recoup a transfer fee means he will have to listen to bids if fresh terms are rejected.
‘We’re desperate to hang onto Steed,’ said the Welshman ‘We want him here and he has a year left on his contract but we can’t afford to let Steed run his contract down and walk away for nothing.
‘We’re desperately trying to keep him so it’s bit of a stalemate. It’s up to Steed if he wants to stay and be a part of us.
‘He knows how important he is to this club. We’ll make him the most attractive offer we can but in the end it’s his decision.’
