Former Fulham star Lee Clark has emerged as a shock candidate to replace Roy Hodgson as new Fulham manager.
The Barclays Premier League outfit are reportedly keen to hold talks with Huddersfield boss Clark as they actively search to fill the void left by Hodgson who departed for Liverpool last week.
Clark would be a popular choice among Fulham fans having spent six years at Craven Cottage between 1999 and 2005 and has impressed during his first year in management guiding Huddersfield to the League One play-offs last season.
And the 37-year-old Newcastle native could prove to be a cheaper option working with limited resources compared to the likes of Mark Hughes, Alan Curbishley and Sven Goran Eriksson who have all been linked with the vacant post in recent days.
However, Craven Cottage chiefs must first secure the permission of Huddersfield owner Dean Hoyle, who may be reluctant to allow his man to leave and it is understood Clark would respect any decision made by the Yorkshire club.
Clark, who would also take some of his backroom staff, including Derek Fazackerley and Terry McDermott, would cost Fulham around £300,000 in compensation and could hold talks with owner Mohamed Al Fayed this week if cleared by Huddersfield.
Clark has moved to distance himself from the post, saying: 'I've spoken to Dean Hoyle, the chairman, this morning and he has had no contact from Fulham, our chief executive Nigel Clibbens has had no contact from Fulham and I have had no contact from Fulham.
'Most of the time I don't comment on speculation, but there has been absolutely no contact from Fulham and I don't want people to become unsettled.'