Fulham are increasingly confident that they will conclude a deal that will deliver an eleventh campaign at Craven Cottage for club captain Tom Cairney.
The 34 year-old appeared set to be plying his trade elsewhere earlier this week when the Scottish international’s representatives looked at breaking off discussions because they had not made enough progress. But just like with right back Kenny Tete, Fulham have returned with a new set of terms and a willingness to negotiate – which leaves the peerless playmaker prepared to compromise both on his wage demands and how much first-team football may come his way. The Times’ Peter Rutzler suggests that a deal is more likely than not at this point.
Cairney has a host of offers from Premier League and Championship clubs as well as entertaining interest both from the MLS and Canada. The former Hull City and Blackburn Rovers midfielder has always insisted that he would prefer to remain in Marco Silva’s senior squad and underlined his ability by turning the west London derby at Brentford around when he was introduced as a half-time substitute.
Cairney, who scored 47 goals in 354 games for Fulham, is unlikely to start many matches but his experience in the dressing room would be invaluable to the likes of Josh King, Martial Godo, Luc de Fougerolles – as well proving pivotal in the middle of the park as well.
Here’s the story I wanted to read. It’d be brilliant to see an eleventh year of TC at Craven Cottage – I’m convinced he can still have a positive impact at the highest level.
Great news. Tom deserves a new deal and I think he will be a great influence on the next generation of Fulham players as you say, Dan.
Like everything else in the transfer window Fulham huff and puff and try not to spend much money, I can’t believe the length of time it’s taken to sort out Tom and Kenny’s future ffs get on with it.