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Fulham keen to keep Steve Finnan despite Man U and Arsenal sniffing
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Fulham today warned off any clubs hoping to lure their Republic of Ireland
defender Steve Finnan away from west London this summer.
The 26-year-old is reportedly coveted by Manchester United and Arsenal
but any bid is set to be rejected.
Finnan has played in all Fulham's league and cup matches this season,
including the 0-0 draw with Leicester on Saturday, and is highly rated
there.
He was given a new five-year deal last July and manager Jean Tigana intends
to add to his squad this summer rather than sell first-team regulars.
His assistant, Christian Damiano, said: "I would not be surprised
if there are clubs looking at Steve and it would not be the first time.
But we want to build the squad and that would be difficult if you sell
your best players.
"Steve is a very important player in our team and we want to build
around people like him."
Finnan is set to go to the World Cup with Ireland next month and could
attract attention from abroad if he performs well.
Despite Fulham losing £24 million in the year to last July and more
than £30m going on new signings this season, Tigana says he expects
to carry on spending in the summer.