New Fulham boss Mark Hughes has made plain his intention of keeping Mark Schwarzer despite interest from Arsenal.

Arsenal are in the market for a competent keeper given the bumbling ones they have at their disposal currently.

Schwarzer was reportedly offered a player-cum-coach role by the Gunners, but the offer was rejected by Fulham. Despite that, speculation continues to surround the Aussie with respect to a move across London.

However, Hughes, who took over from Roy Hodgson at Craven Cottage recently, has declared there is no way he will let the veteran leave.

In comments quoted by The Mirror, he said:"There is always interest in quality players and it is not my intention to allow the betters players leave the football club.

"We are in a position where we don't have to sell our better players.

"We want to progress and you want to have the better players, so I suggest the two players you mention will still be Fulham players by the end of the window.

"There was a conversation [with Schwarzer] some time ago but I have only just come through the door and will have to refresh myself about the conversations that happened.

"But we want to resolve the situation as soon as possible but we are not in the position of letting our best players leave and Mark falls into that category."

Schwarzer will be a vital cog between the post as the Londoners seek to build on their Europa League adventure last season to finish in the top 10 of the Barclays Premier League.