Chris Coleman says that Papa Bouba Diop has decided against
leaving Fulham in the January transfer window.
The Senegal international had been heavily linked with a move to
Wigan after suffering a number of injuries at Craven Cottage this
season.
Coleman had grown frustrated with the fitness problems affecting
the former Lens man, but Diop now looks set to remain with the
London side until the end of the season at least.
His manager says the all-action midfielder has decided to stay at
Craven Cottage to fight for his place in the first team, with the
signing of Simon Davies and imminent arrival of Alexei Smertin
further increasing competition in Fulham's squad.
"[The January transfer window has] been fruitful for us," said
Coleman. "Normally they're going away but this time they're coming
in.
"That's four players in, Papa Bouba Diop has also decided against a
move and we've been crying out for competition for places.
"Four months ago he was one of the first names on the sheet but
he's been injured and has lacked consistency since he came back
from the African Nations Cup.
"I've told him we've got new players in and to get back in the team
and stay there he'll have to be at his best."
Coleman has also hailed the prospective signing of Russian
international Smertin who could be confirmed as a Cottagers player
before Saturday's FA Cup tie with Stoke.
"He's had a few contractual problems with his club in Russia but
he's still played every game, so we got in at the right time,"
Coleman added.
"Half a dozen other clubs in the Premiership wanted his services so
it's a feather in our cap that he wanted to come to Fulham.
"Jose (Mourinho) liked Alexei but he wanted to play regularly and
Chelsea couldn't guarantee that. He did a good job at Portsmouth
and he's a player I've admired for some time.
"Claude Makelele is the best in the business in that defensive
midfield position but Alexei is first class."