Fulham want an answer from Chris Hughton by the end of this week over whether he is willing to join Martin Jol at Craven Cottage.

Hughton was Jol’s number two at Tottenham for three years and the Dutch manager has asked his board to try and rekindle that relationship as he prepares for the start of his Fulham reign. But Hughton, who has voiced his determination to prove himself as a manager after his harsh sacking by Newcastle last season, is keeping his options open. Despite informing Jol that he would be keen on teaming up with him again, he is understood to want to wait until both Cardiff and Birmingham appoint new managers before making a final decision.

Hughton is believed to have made the shortlist to succeed Dave Jones at Cardiff and is interested in filling the Birmingham vacancy but Jol, who has already brought his brother Cock and Michael Lindeman with him, is keen to finalise his backroom team prior to Fulham’s early start to their new campaign. The Whites begin their Europa League adventure against as yet unspecified opponents on June 30.