Fulham: We're not for sale

Fulham today denied Mohamed Fayed is about to sell the club to a Turkish business group. Members of a consortium backed by two of the millionaire Falyali family were shown around Craven Cottage and the training ground yesterday.

They were photographed with club director Mark Collins and are believed to have £35million to spend.

But Jack Irvine, a spokesman for chairman Fayed, today said: "The club is categorically not for sale.

"These fellows photographed did not go to Harrods and the chairman did not meet with them. Out of courtesy he let his advisors meet them and would do the same for anyone who is keen and serious about investing in the club."

Fulham insiders say the Falyali consortium, based in northern Cyprus, are serious about buying into the club but are a long way off a deal.

The family behind the group made their money in hotels, casinos and betting websites but a link to disgraced former Polly Peck tycoon Asil Nadir has been played down. A friend of Nadir today claimed the infamous Polly Peck tycoon was "highly unlikely" to be involved. He said: "Asil will certainly know these people. All the wealthy people who live in northern Cyprus tend to know each other.

"But I suspect he will be looking for other things to do with whatever money he has got left. When he lived in England he used to go and watch Arsenal but that's as far as his interest in football goes."