Parker understands reluctance to make more signings

Scott Parker would like money for new players but the Fulham boss is ready to be disappointed.

The Whites face a six-pointer against Brighton on Wednesday with no sign of new recruits over the next six days before the transfer window closes.

The club invested close to £110m the last time they were in the Premier League, in 2018-19, and got financially burned.

Relegation and a return to the top flight this season saw a more prudent outlay of around £10m, and the head coach agrees he’s feeling the pinch.

“Do I believe that a little bit of investment could it help this team massively?” he said. “Yeah, I do. I can see that in the numbers.

“But I also understand the situation. It’s a big commitment.

“The last time we were in this division, we spent a lot of money. The owners have spent an awful lot of money since their tenure at this club.

“That money we spent, we didn’t stay in the division. So maybe there’s a different avenue this time.

“We’ve not invested a lot of money into the squad. We’ve tried to bring players in on loan and I think we’ve done very, very well.

“The current state of affairs in terms of where the world is, it’s always a decision to be made. Where we are in the division, I understand.

“If something happens between now and the window shutting who can help us, amazing. If not, we’ll keep improving like we have done.”

Fulham have found it hard to attract players willing to throw their weight behind a relegation fight.

Parker says he is ready to battle on with what he has, and insists the current squad can avoid the drop.

“This team has developed and done very well,” he added.

“We’re improving. Will that be enough at the end of the season? Who knows? It’s going to be very difficult.

“Of course, it will always make it easier bringing in people who you know can help.

“But at the same time, I do believe in this squad of players gives me hope that we have a fighting chance in this division.”