Fulham not only plan to keep Ross McCormack long term - they intend to build a team around him and improve their fortunes.

So claims Slavisa Jokanovic who insists the club's top striker has got over the disappointment of missing out on a £9 million move to Middlesbrough.

Jokanovic believes things are 'calm' now the transfer window has shut despite leaving the Scotland international battling to avoid relegation rather than looking towards the Premier League with Boro.

His manager added that McCormack will play a pivotal part in Whites fortunes, now, starting with a home fixture to Derby tomorrow, and in the future.

"Now everything is calm (after the transfer window). Ross McCormack is our key player and we will build a team around him for the future," the coach added.

"He is the best striker in the league and if we decide to sell him, then it would be hard to replace him with something we have right now in our hands."

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"I spoke with him, and Ross is more calm and concentrated, and our job is looking to the future."

Jokanovic insisted he sensed no disappointment in the player Fulham paid Leeds a reported £11million for in summer 2014.

"In this business, he understands very well all that can happen," he said.

But Jokanovic flat-batted the offer of any new contract to someone who is under wraps until 2019 already.

He said: "Right now, we don't have any reason to change this position. Things happen in natural steps."

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