Tigana's Fulham future unclear

Just 24 hours after the Franco Baresi farce finally ended, Fulham today admitted they have no idea whether boss Jean Tigana will stay or walk away when his contract runs out in 11 months.

The Frenchman’s three-year deal runs out next July – but club sources told PA Sport he has given no indication about his plans to Cottagers chairman Mohamed Al Fayed or other senior officials.

Tigana has the option of a two-year extension written into his contract, but is not expected to tell Al Fayed whether he will be utilising the clause until the pair have talks over his future.

And as discussions are not likely to take place until the New Year – five months away – speculation over Tigana’s future is sure to intensify.

The former Monaco manager refused to commit his long-term future to the Londoners at a Press conference a month ago – and the issue has reared its head again in the wake of Baresi’s departure.

The AC Milan and Italy legend, installed as Fulham’s director of football on June 1 but almost immediately downgraded to an unofficial advisor to Al Fayed, was axed yesterday after three controversy-plagued months.

His acrimonious exit came only halfway through a six-month probation and has left Al Fayed shelling out around £30,000 (€47,000) every month for his wages until November.

Tigana’s own future is now back in the spotlight – but Chester Stern, the club’s director of corporate affairs, said they are in no rush to resolve his future.

“Jean arrived on a three-year contract and always had the option of a two-year extension at the end of that,” he said.

“It’s up to him to decide whether or not he wants to take up that option.

“At this stage of the season, there is no rush to make that decision.

“I expect Jean will sit down with the chairman sometime early in the New Year to discuss the matter.”