Fulham head coach Slavisa Jokanovic is loath to lose either of his striking duo Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele as he looks to inspire a revival at Fulham.
The new manager's first game in charge ended in disappointment as a spectacular strike by Ross Wallace gave Sheffield Wednesday the three points, leaving Fulham struggling in 19th position.
It may get no easier for Jokanovic over January with Dembele, whose contract expires in the summer, a target for Tottenham, Manchester United and Napoli.
Championship leaders Middlesbrough are also reported to be keen on McCormack.
Jokanovic, though, is more interested in buying players despite the transfer embargo currently in place at Craven Cottage after the club broke the Football League Financial Fair
"This teams needs fresh blood and we are thinking about players
who can help us in the future," he said after the defeat. "I am not
thinking about selling my key players like McCormack or Dembele.
"They are good players. I have only been working with them for two days but I expect both can offer more than they did against Sheffield Wednesday."
It may be a struggle for Fulham to retain Dembele, who Spurs have identified as their second-choice target behind Saido Berahino.
If the 19-year-old moved abroad, and Borussia Dortmund and Monaco have joined Napoli in developing interest in the striker, Fulham might receive a compensation fee as low as £300,000.