Coleman won't sell stars despite financial concerns

Chris Coleman has dismissed reports that Fulham might be forced to sell players during the January transfer window in order to ease the club's financial plight.

Fulham, who were defeated 1-0 at Everton on Saturday, are still counting the cost of losing their High Court battle with former manager Jean Tigana.

However, Coleman insists that he will not allow key players to leave.

"There's no pressure on me to sell, I don't want to lose any of my players," said the Fulham manager. "I know there's the Edwin van der Sar situation where his contract is up and I know he wants European football, but we want to keep Edwin.

"Certainly with everyone else, they are on good, long contracts."

But it remains likely that goalkeeper Van der Sar will leave in the New Year. The Dutchman has been relegated to a place on the substitutes' bench following the outstanding form of Mark Crossley. And with Van der Sar's contract expiring in the summer, Fulham would find it difficult to turn down an offer for the 34-year-old when the transfer window re-opens in January.

A more substantial sum would be generated through the sale of Steed Malbranque, though Coleman is adamant that the midfielder will remain at Craven Cottage. "Steed's a good player, but it's pointless mentioning any other clubs than Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United because I don't think anyone else would be able to afford him," he said.

Fulham's inconsistent form continued at Goodison Park where they were condemned to a second successive Premiership defeat after Duncan Ferguson headed a 67th-minute winner.

The result leaves Fulham only three points above the relegation zone and the next fortnight, which includes fixtures against Blackburn and Norwich in the Premiership and Chelsea in the Carling Cup, could be crucial.