Newcastle United are interested in signing Fulham's pivotal midfielder Tom Cairney.

The Evening Chronicle reports the man Whites paid close to £4m for in summer 2015 is on boss Rafael Benitez's wish list.

Their chance of getting him are next to nothing - and slim. And as the old joke goes: Slim just saddled up and left town.

The 25-year-old is as key to Fulham's chances of making the play-offs above all others currently in the 24-man squad.

As former boss Kit Symons said after Whites eased home 2-1 in the FA Cup tie against Cardiff yesterday: all paths lead to Cairney in midfield.

GetWestLondon, prophetically as it turns out, wrote after his Cardiff player rating:

'Could have been man of the match on another day. All routes in midfield lead to the man who cost Whites £4m from Blackburn in 2015. What does that make him worth now?'

Still, everyone has their price, and Fulham would find it hard to turn down £10m that would double and then some what they paid.

poll loading Jokanovic says Cairney is an 'important player' - but who is the MOST important Fulham player right now? 500+ VOTES SO FAR Tom Cairney Stefan Johansen David Button Sone Aluko Ryan Fredericks Lucas Piazon Ryan Sessegnon Chris Martin Someone else

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