Sunday 21 April 2019 22:56, UK
Scott Parker expects Fulham to do "everything they can" to keep hold of top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic but admits it will be difficult following Premier League relegation.
Mitrovic underlined his importance to the west London club by claiming his 11th league goal of a difficult season to earn a 1-0 win at Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Serbia international joined the Cottagers last term when they were playing in the Sky Bet Championship and fired them to promotion via the play-offs with 12 goals in 20 appearances.
Caretaker manager Parker believes it is crucial to retain the services of the 24-year-old as they prepare for an immediate return to the second tier.
"It will be vitally important really, he's a top-class centre-forward and I think you've seen that evident in the last two games," said Parker.
"I know what the owners think, I know their ambition and certainly it is going to be to challenge.
"He's a top-drawer centre-forward but at the same time I think that this football club we'll be doing everything they can to keep a player like Alek.
"We've spoken about next year and the plans ahead and I think the main focus for Mitro is finishing the season like he has (on Saturday), a performance, the winning goal."
