Source: PA
Hughes hoping Schwarzer will stay
Boss Mark Hughes remains determined to keep Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal tabled a £2million bid in May for the veteran Australian, who has handed in a transfer request, and repeated the offer on Thursday.
Hughes admits Schwarzer has been unsettled by the Gunners' interest but still hopes he will be a Fulham player at the end of the transfer window.
"There wasn't an improved offer from Arsenal - it was exactly the same one that was put forward in May," said the Welshman. "The situation hasn't moved on. There's been contact but no improved offer.
"I don't know if Arsenal are trying to disrupt him. There are many things clubs, players and agents do to unsettle players. Mark is aware of the interest of Arsenal. That knowledge is distracting and disruptive. But the status quo is the same - we wouldn't encourage an improved bid. It's not at all inevitable he will leave."
Fulham are closing in on Benfica's Algeria defender Rafik Halliche in a deal reportedly worth £1.3million. Hughes added: "There's still come paperwork to be concluded on the deal. We're hopeful it will go through quickly and we can finish it."
