Newcastle were sniffing around one of Fulham’s prize assets in the January transfer window.

Sone Aluko believes hanging on to Tom Cairney is integral to Whites ambitions.

But the former Hull City player thinks Whites success is key to hanging on to their finest.

An undoubted star of the Championship this season, Cairney’s left foot has bewitched opposition defences, and Fulham may have a task on their hands to keep him if they fail to make the play-offs at least.

Aluko knows it too.

Hug: Tom Cairney of Fulham (R) celebrates 2-0

“He’s really shone this year, and he’s been our captain when Scott Parker’s not been playing,” he said.

“It took them (the midfield) a while to get going, Stef (Johansen) arrived later. They’ve got a good balance and the whole team has a balance.

“We want to go to the Premier League with the team we’ve got, and if we’re successful there’s no reason for players to leave.

“It’s up to us to be successful and keep the top players here.”