Fulham have hit back angrily at suggestions that the transfer of Victor Sikora from Vitesse Arnhem fell through because of a lack of funds.
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| Victor Sikora |
The Dutch winger, who has now joined Ajax, was expected to complete a £3m move to Craven Cottage this week but the deal was called off after Fulham asked for the fee to be paid in instalments over four years.
However, Fulham say this was due to problems arising from the player's medical, and nothing to do with the finances of the club or chairman Mohamed Al Fayed.
A statement from Craven Cottage said: "In light of speculation in the media, Fulham Football Club has felt it necessary to clarify why the proposed transfer of Victor Sikora from Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem failed to go ahead.
"After an extensive medical in England, doubts were raised over the player's long-term fitness and the club attempted to negotiate terms that would take this into consideration, by payments being made over the course of his contract.
"This agreement was not acceptable to Vitesse Arnhem and talks subsequently broke down. The decision to offer these payment terms to the club and player were based solely on the outcome of the medical and in no way have any reflection on the finances of the club or its chairman."