Scott Parker has revealed that Fulham are not ‘remotely close’ to bolstering their strike force in the January transfer window.

The Cottagers’ head coach has made clear that he is eager to bring in additional forwards by deadline day – and preferably before – in order to boost Fulham’s survival bid. With Aleksandar Mitrovic only returning from a hamstring strain as a late substitute in the defeat by Manchester United on Wednesday, the Whites have been relying on Ivan Cavaleiro as a makeshift number nine, but Parker told his press conference ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup tie with Burnley that no new arrivals were imminent.

“At the moment there’s nothing I can give you that is remotely close. I think we all know it’s a tough window – at the same time I think we all realise where we probably need to add to the team to help the team, help the players, help us this year. But like I said, we’re trying and it’s not for the will of trying, but at the moment it’s proving a little bit difficult.”

Parker is still seeking to manage his squad effectively after Fulham battled a coronavirus outbreak immediately after Christmas and is considering rotating his side for the fourth round tie, especially after a run of three games in ten games and with crucial league fixtures against Brighton and West Brom on the horizon.

“Look it’s a concern, especially what we’ve come out of, we’ve come out of a tough time. Only 10 days ago where half the squad was down with Covid and then when they came back there was a game straight away and you’re having to put players in positions with hardly any work.”

“At this present moment in time we’re in a good place with the work that we’ve done previous to this and our training during the week we’re okay. But of course with the games coming up so fast and at the point in the season where we’re getting to now with the accumulation of games and training, you’re always on the brink a little bit and it’s a balancing act that you’re doing.”