Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen is growing confident of keeping hold of Dimitar Berbatov.

Newcastle United and Turkish side Trabzonspor have been linked with a swoop for the 32-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Meulensteen said: "We know each other quite well, which makes a difference. I'm not a stranger to him and he knows the outlook I have on playing football, which I think he buys into.

"We've spent a lot of time together on the training pitch and you strike up a different sort of relationship with a coach than you do as a manager.

"If you're a coach you're easier to speak to, where as managers are the ones making the decisions.

"I've had a chat with him and I know he's committed to this club and the games we have in front of us. Looking at the performances he's been excellent for us."