Chris Coleman says there is “no truth” in reports that Zat Knight wants to quit Fulham – but admits he tried to sign Carlo Cudicini in January.

Coleman has dismissed talk that Knight, dropped for the Manchester United defeat following the 4-0 home loss to Spurs in the FA Cup, wants to leave Craven Cottage in the summer.

“There are going to be stories about players not in the team, but there’s no truth in it. I felt he could have done better against Tottenham,” he said.

Come the end of the season Coleman knows he has some of his squad out of contract who may be looking for a change of club, but added: “I expect we will bring in a couple of fresh players and lose a couple.”

He had talks in January with near-neighbours Chelsea about Cudicini, but says nothing has happened since.

Coleman is preparing for Saturday’s clash with Aston Villa.

Under new owner Randy Lerner, Villa manager Martin O’Neill has been splashing out but they find themselves on the same points as Fulham, albeit with a game in hand and a far superior goal difference.

“Aston Villa have been crying out for somebody to spend some money,” Coleman added.

“First of all they got Martin, whose reputation speaks for itself. They’ve probably already spent the best part of £20million, but to get where they want to go and be top five year in, year out, they’re going to have to spend some serious cash.

“Martin had a great start when he had his players fit, but he found out really quickly when you have a small squad and get injuries it’s so difficult.

“They have been stretched a lot of the time and bought because they needed a bit of strength in depth and more quality.

“Our chairman has already spent an unbelievable amount just to get us where we are. Villa get 40,000 crowds and are just a bigger club. We had 24,000 last weekend and that’s our capacity.

“I’m realistic enough to know what’s on the table for us because we are two different clubs.”