New Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is certain that Dimitar Berbatov will remain with the club beyond the January transfer window, labelling him as one of the “three best players” in the Premier League.
Reports emerged on Wednesday suggesting that the Bulgarian had grown disillusioned at Craven Cottage and was plotting an exit strategy for January.
The claims were made by the player’s agent who said his client is unhappy at the west London outfit and is looking to find “another option” when the transfer window opens.
However, Meulensteen is adamant that he has not been made aware of those wishes by the player and expects to have the 32-year-old at his disposal for the rest of the campaign.
The Dutchman was full of praise for the former Manchester United man after Wednesday night’s game against Tottenham and he was delighted to see a committed performance.
Berbatov played the full 90 minutes for the Cottagers but he could not prevent Spurs from taking all three points with a 2-1 victory.
Ashkan Dejagah opened the scoring for the home side early in the second half but two goals in 17 minutes from Vlad Chiriches and Lewis Holtby ensured it would be six straight defeats for Fulham.
Asked whether Berbatov could be on his way out of the club next month, 49-year-old Meulensteen said: “No, not at all. I’ve not seen or heard what he’s said, but if anyone knows Dimitar it’s me.
“Look at that performance tonight and tell me he doesn’t want to play for this club. If he continues playing at that level he’s one of the three best players in the league.”
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