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Fulham boss Slaviša Jokanović has claimed that Newcastle United made a £20million offer for Tom Cairney this year.

But the Serbian manager has indicated his star midfielder won’t be leaving Craven Cottage this summer.

Fulham lost in the Championship play-offs to Reading last month and want to mount a fresh promotion challenge next term.

Speaking to the media in his native country, Jokanović was asked about Cairney and said: “Yes, he’s good. He (Benitez) asked for him and they offered £20million, but we did not let him go.

“He is not for Newcastle, there is no business there, he fits in at Fulham.

“When the team has problems the ball always goes to him and he keeps it.”

Missing out on Cairney would be considered a blow to Newcastle with the midfielder proving to be one of the brightest players in the Sky Bet Championship last season. Whether Cairney pushes for a move remains to be seen but he made it clear he wanted to play in the Premier League soon back in May.

Speaking about his desire to play top flight football, Cairney said: “Every player has to back themselves to play at that level and I believe once I get there — and I hope it’s with Fulham — I really will show I can do things at that level.

“It’s all about getting there in the first place, but I do think it does suit my game.”