Fulham turned down deadline day loan bids from their Premier League rivals for defender Chris Baird.
The Northern Ireland international, who can also play in midfield, had initially struggled to hold down a place in Martin Jol’s first choice side as Fulham’s new manager played Aaron Hughes at right back and brought in Philippe Senderos alongside Brede Hangeland. There had been speculation that Baird could be on his way out of Craven Cottage, but he returned to the side at right back against Dnipro and Newcastle.
Talksport’s report claims that West Brom, managed by former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, and Blackburn Rovers were keen to take Baird on loan but that Jol rebuffed their approaches as he sees the 29 year-old as a valuable utility player, especially with Fulham’s Europa League schedule to consider.
