Malbranque considering Fulham future

Steed Malbranque is considering quitting Fulham next month because of the imminent exit of his mentors Jean Tigana and Christian Damiano.

Cottagers chairman Al Fayed has withdrawn the two-year contract extension originally offered to boss Tigana and assistant Damiano – meaning their last game in charge is at Charlton on May 11.

Malbranque, who joined from Lyon in August 2001 for £4.5m (€6.5m), has been hailed as Tigana’s best signing after being named player of the season last term and firing 13 goals to be Fulham’s top-scorer in this campaign.

But his agent Frederic Dobraje, speaking to the Press Association today, revealed the midfielder is upset by Tigana’s imminent departure – who has helped him reach the brink of the France team – and Damiano, his old France Under-18 coach.

Liverpool were again strongly linked with a summer swoop for Malbranque in this morning’s national newspapers.

And Dobraje said: “Steed’s been very affected by Tigana not staying at Fulham and that’s the first reason why he might move.

“The second reason is that he wants to progress as in football and get into the French national team.

“Gerard Houllier is interested in Steed because he’s a good young player and Liverpool are better than Fulham. That’s logical.

“Steed likes Liverpool because they’re a very good team with very good players and a big history as a club.

“Liverpool are a possibility and would be a good team for Steed – but there are also other Premiership teams in England and clubs in France who are interested in him.

“It’s too early at the moment for Steed to decide what to do, but maybe there will be more information about what will happen in a few weeks.”

Malbranque himself has already dropped strong hints about leaving and his representative believes Anfield will see an improved player if he does quit the Cottagers.

“He’s had two seasons at Fulham and done good work with Tigana, who I think is a very good trainer for Steed,” Dobraje added.

“Steed had a very good season last year, got better this season and he will progress and have more interesting play next season.”