Fulham have been dealt a blow ahead of tonight's game against Reading after Chris Martin withdrew from the squad and demanded a return to Derby County.

The striker, who joined Fulham on a season-long loan from the Rams back in August, has struck seven goals in 17 appearances for the Whites this term.

Fulham did have an option to make their move for Martin permanent, either during the January transfer window or at the end of the season, but it now appears that he could be heading back to Pride Park.

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However, Martin will not automatically get his wish to return. Both clubs as well as the players must be in agreement if the loan deal is to come to an early end.

Family reasons are believed to be behind Martin's demand to return to the Midlands, as well as the chance to once again link up with Steve McLaren, who he played under during the former England chief's first spell as Derby boss.

The situation echoes that of James Tarkowski, who refused to play for west London neighbours Brentford a year ago before engineering a move to Burnley.

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