Papa Bouba Diop

Fulham boss Chris Coleman is determined to keep hold of Papa Bouba Diop.

The Senegal international has been linked with a possible move to Arsenal, as they search for a replacement for Patrick Vieira.

Diop enjoyed a fine debut season with Fulham last term and his performances attracted the interest of a host of clubs.

The former Lens man is happy to stay at Fulham and is hoping to open talks over a new deal.

Coleman has laughed off the speculation regarding Diop and has placed a £14 million price tag on the midfield powerhouse.

"I've seen some of the prices put on Diop and they make me laugh," Coleman told the News of the World.

"Why would we sell him on the cheap when the only other player like him in this league has been Patrick Vieira?

"He's just gone for £14 million and there's not a lot of difference between the two.

"Diop is younger than Patrick, so it would take a hell of a lot of money for us to lose him."