Jol discusses transfer rumours as defender talks up new deal

Martin Jol is adamant that star duo Clint Dempsey and Mousa Dembele will not be sold by the Whites, while Stephen Kelly believes his performances this season should be enough to earn him a new deal at Craven Cottage.

Top sides in the Premier League and on the continent have been linked with two of Fulham’s biggest assets, but boss Martin Jol says they have not received any bids and would not welcome any.

“There are no clubs who have come in for bids. Even if they put a bid in they are not for sale,” Jol said.

“Of course you worry because I want to keep my best players. If we can do that and add two or three, we could have a very good squad.

“I feel they still will be here (next season).”

Kelly’s future at Craven Cottage is however unclear. The Republic of Ireland international’s contract expires at the end of the campaign, with the club and player set to talk after tomorrow’s final match of the season at Tottenham.

“For myself it’s just been a matter of performing at my best every game and I think I’ve done that. I’ve been able to show the Fulham fans here what I am about,” Kelly told the Fulham website.

“It’s been a big thing for me that Martin Jol has shown confidence in me this season.

“Before it was stop and start, and I was only playing every couple of weeks, which made it difficult.

“But since I’ve been playing consistently I’ve really been able to show my character, and the type of player I am, and really bed myself into the team.

“That’s been fantastic this season so hopefully I will carry that on for as long as I can.”