Fulham manager Mark Hughes has been given £10m worth of backing by Cottagers owner Mohamed Fayed ahead of next month’s transfer window.

The team’s inability to turn draws into victories sees them hovering above the EPL relegation zone by one place and goal difference which has, in turn, placed pressure on manager Mark Hughes.

But Fayed this week declared Hughes’ job “safe,” after Hughes himself noted that “the club understands our problems of selection in key personnel.”

 

And the publicity-loving Egyptian gave him the transfer “kitty” to pursue targets such as out-of-favour Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz, whom Hughes managed at both City and Blackburn.

Fulham are also reportedly interested in taking US international Landon Donovan on loan from MSL side LA Galaxy.

Ahead of this weekend’s trip to Liverpool, Hughes paid tribute to his predecessor in the Cottagers hotseat, current Reds boss Roy Hodgson.

Hughes said: “Everybody appreciates what Roy did in his time here. They enjoyed great success over the last two years.” But the Welshman added:

“Things have moved on. And we’re aware what Roy will try and get from his Liverpool team.”

Fulham will travel without Belgian international striker Moussa Dembele, who has returned home for treatment on a persistent ankle injury, after hopes that he would be fit for the Anfield clash.

The 23-year-old now hopes to be fit for the Boxing Day visit of the EPL’s bottom club West Ham. While 19-year-old defender Matthew Briggs is out until January after recent calf surgery.