Fulham urged to keep hold of wantaway striker Dimitar Berbatov

AARON HUGHES claims Fulham must do all they can to stop Dimitar Berbatov quitting the club.

DIM VIEW: Berbatov's agent has made it clear that the Bulgarian wants to flee the sinking ship that is Fulham in January [GETTY]
 

Berbatov's agent says his client wants out of Craven Cottage - and Starsport understands Arsenal head a queue of clubs weighing up a January move for him.
The Gunners see Berbatov, 32, as the ideal man to ease the burden on Olivier Giroud and he could be available at a cut-price fee, as his contract is up in the summer.

He is also not cup-tied for the Champions League.

But Berbatov showed just how important he is to Fulham with a vintage display in the 2-1 defeat to Tottenham and Hughes claims he is crucial to their survival hopes.

“You have seen in his performance the role and the contribution he has in our team”

Aaron Huhges

The defender said: "He is a vital player for us. You have seen in his performance the role and the contribution he has in our team.
"Those performances are brilliant for us - not only on the ball, but his work rate and not making it easy for their midfielders.

"He played a big part in the performance and we were unlucky not to get something."
Berbatov set up Ashkan Dejagah for the opening goal against Spurs and could have had two himself in a much-improved performance for new Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen.
Hughes said: "There are obviously a lot of positives to be taken."