Fulham's Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele not for sale, says boss Slavisa Jokanovic

Ross McCormack has been linked with a move to promotion-chasing Middlesbrough

Slavisa Jokanovic has insisted Fulham do not need to sell their best players, despite suffering under a transfer embargo.

Star strikers Ross McCormack and Moussa Dembele, who have 24 Championship goals between them, have been the subject of interest from a number of clubs in the current transfer window.

Middlesbrough are understood to have had two bids rejected for McCormack, while Tottenham are interested in a deal for Dembele - but head coach Jokanovic insists he needs these players to keep Fulham up.

Tottenham are keen to take Moussa Dembele to White Hart Lane

"There is always speculation about Dembele and McCormack, but people need to understand Fulham too," Jokanovic said.

"If they are serious people they see we do not need money right now, we need other things, and we are not in a situation where we have to sell our best players.

"We have seven days or so left and everything will be clearer then but, from my side, I don't want and I do not make the steps to sell anyone.

"The plan is to bring in new people and we are looking at the loan market."

McCormack did not appear in the squad for the 1-0 defeat at home to Hull on Saturday, instead watching from the stands.

Slavisa Jokanovic insists Fulham do not need to sell this month

But Jokanovic explained: "Ross didn't play because yesterday he was sick and he has had some some physical problems after the last game.

"He has only trained once this week so he didn't appear in the squad. I don't believe physically he was ready to play.

"Psychologically, I understand there is much rumour and speculation, and I understand McCormack too.

"Ross is a professional and has a family, and he is thinking about the solution and the best steps for him, I understand that."