Fulham manager Mark Hughes admits he is desperate to sign a striker in January to help Fulham’s battle against relegation.

Hughes says he wants to spend to ease the pressure on makeshift striker Clint Dempsey who is filling in up front until Bobby Zamora returns from injury in February.

Fulham scouts have been impressed by Millwall’s Steve Morison, 27, this season and Fulham boss Hughes has been considering a deal but admits he needs a proven goalscorer straight away.

Hughes said: “We lack a bit of presence sometimes in the opposition box. I think if we can find that to go alongside the good play we produce then we are a decent team.

“We need to bring players who will go straight into the first team. No point in doing business if they are just going to be a squad player.

“If we are going to do business we will look for someone who can go straight in. It’s not about getting players in with potential. It’s the here and now that we are dealing with.

“We need that physical presence up there. Clint has done great for me in fairness. It is not his natural position but he has done a hell of a job for us in the short term.

“He is a viable option. Bobby is back in February as well. But I think what we need is maybe just a new face around the building as well. That always gives a lift to the group.”