Coleman: Diop not for sale
Chris Coleman has warned Fulham's Barclays Premiership rivals that midfield enforcer Papa Bouba Diop is not for sale.
Diop has emerged as one of the few success stories in a hugely disappointing season at Craven Cottage and is certain to attract interest from other clubs when the transfer window reopens this summer.
The Senegal international - who is expected to recover from his hamstring injury in time to face Chelsea on Saturday but misses out on tonight's clash with Middlesbrough - signed from French side Lens in July for an undisclosed sum.
His impressive performances in the Premiership have seen his value rocket with Coleman sure to make a tidy profit on the 27-year-old if he decided to sell.
But the Cottagers boss has spelt out Diop's influence on the team and declared his future remains at Craven Cottage.
"We've missed Bouba recently - he's a big presence. He defends well, is very strong and is dangerous in the air. He can do a bit of everything and has been a great find," he said.
"I knew big Bouba would do well once he'd found his feet. I thought we'd see the best of him next season but he's already put some great displays in.
"Physically he's the strongest player in the league and he's so important to us. When he's not there we do miss something. If we do look to sell any players this summer, he certainly won't be one of them."
