Recent rumours have suggested that Tottenham are interested in signing the 24-year-old, and when the player claimed that it would be a 'step up' for him to move to White Hart Lane, speculation over a move continued to grow.

But former Spurs boss Jol has refuted claims that he will allow Dembele to leave Craven Cottage, claiming that he has the potential to develop into one of the best players for his position in the world.

"Maybe someone told you about Tottenham, I don't know. But there is a lot of interest in good players, and I've got a few," he said.

"It's up to us to keep them here, and that's what we're trying to do. I think Dembele could develop into one of the best."