Tigana wants new striker for Fulham

Embattled Fulham manager Jean Tigana wants to sign a proven goalscorer when the transfer window re-opens in January in a bid to prevent the Londoners falling further down the Premier League table.

Fulham are without star striker Barry Hayles (neck) who is not due to return before the end of this season.

Meanwhile Fulham are a mere five points clear of the relegation zone which is too close for Tigana's liking and more importantly for his future at the club that of chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed.

Al-Fayed has made his displeasure known at the recent slump in form and question marks over the 11 million pound (17million dollars) transfer of French international Steve Marlet last season, Tigana's hopes of signing a new contract when his present one finishes at the end of the campaign are not encouraging.

Fulham are still creating chances but their failure to finish is worrying Tigana who will hope that Al-Fayed is ready to dip into his pocket again to fund the purchase of a new forward.

Tigana, speaking ahead of Wednesday's relegation six pointer with West Brom, said: "We had five good chances to score against Manchester City (Fulham lost 1-0) and the difference was only that we needed to score.

"We need one player who can score 10 or 20 goals. That's what we need.

"But it's a collective problem and not only about the strikers, as the midfielders also need to score.

"It's difficult to say 'yes' or 'no' about transfers because the target sometimes moves.

"I want to keep my focus on the next game, but after that is a different issue," Tigana added.