Fulham won’t be making a move for Nottingham Forest target Siriki Dembele this month, Peterborough director of football, Barry Fry has confirmed.
During an interview with the Peterborough Telegraph, he claimed the Fulham chief scout outlined his plans after watching Dembele at the weekend.
The 24-year-old is out of contract during the summer but Peterborough seem adamant he won’t be sold this month.
Forest have been linked with a move for the forward and Fulham’s stance could hand the Reds a boost.
Fry, however, doesn’t believe clubs have the money to spend during this month.
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He told the Peterborough Telegraph: “Fulham have watched Siriki five times. Brian (Talbot) was at the game on Saturday and he sent me a message after the game to say they wouldn’t be making an offer this month.
“That’s not to say they won’t be back in the summer when the club’s finances are clearer.
“There is no money about right now and certainly not enough for us to part with Siriki.
“It’s getting too late anyway, we wouldn’t have time to sign a replacement.”
Does this open a door for Forest?
It might do, although several clubs are keen to sign the player who has scored five goals and claimed seven assists this season.
Rangers and Celtic have both been backed as suitors previously, with Sheffield United, Cardiff and Brentford also in the mix.
Given the animosity by Forest supporters towards the club’s recruitment, the club would be wise to try and complete a deal before the deadline.
For too long the Reds have prioritised quantity over quality and that strategy simply has to change.
Dembele is typically a centre-forward but he can also operate on either flanks and Forest would welcome his versatility.
Lewis Grabban and Lyle Taylor are both now in their thirties and at some point a replacement will be needed.
Dembele would be a sound long-term investment and Forest should go all in to land him before next week’s deadline.