Transfer news: Fulham remarks over West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison 'taken out of context'

Rene Meulensteen defends his candid comments

Rene Meulensteen said he would not comment on Ravel Morrison 'because it is going to get me into trouble' (AFP/Getty Images)

Rene Meulensteen believes his comments about Ravel Morrison were taken out of context but the Fulham manager refused to be drawn further on the "tapping up" row with West Ham because it might "get me in trouble".

Meulensteen's decision to keep quiet came hours after Morrison suggested he does not want to leave West Ham. The club have made an official complaint to the Premier League after Meulensteen said the midfielder is keen to join Fulham. They see the remarks as an illegal approach and want action taken.

Fulham have received no formal communication from the Premier League and Meulensteen said: "I am not going to make any comment because it is going to get me into trouble."

Meulensteen, who also revealed that Fulham had received no offers for Dimitar Berbatov, added: "It shows that certain things can come out and be taken out of context and you have to deal with it."

Fulham have had a £4m bid for Morrison rejected and will now decide whether to return with a second offer. Morrison, who has 18 months left on his contract at Upton Park, earlier denied suggestions he threatened to go on strike. He tweeted: "The lies people make up it's unreal".

The 20-year-old insisted he is committed to West Ham, telling the club website: "Although it is frustrating to read some of the reports in the media, I always try to keep my focus on the next game and show people with my performances on the pitch that I want to do well for West Ham."

West Ham's assistant manager Neil McDonald has admitted that "every player has his price" and the manager Sam Allardyce may be willing to sell Morrison to free up some transfer funds.