Ful-ly committed! Tom Cairney says he ‘loves playing at Fulham’ amid fresh links with Newcastle United

Tom Cairney insists he is fully committed to Fulham despite renewed speculation over a move to Newcastle United in the upcoming transfer window.

The Scotland international has been one of Magpies’ boss Rafa Benitez’s top targets and Newcastle saw a £20million bid for the Scotland international rejected in January last year.

Cairney responded to that interest in July by putting pen to paper on a contract extension that will tie him to the Cottagers until 2021 with the option of a further season.

Reports in the north east last month claimed that Cairney remained a leading target for Benitez despite a stuttering start to the Championship season for both Cairney and Fulham the 26-year-old remains committed to Craven Cottage.

“You can’t put a price on happiness,” Cairney told Standard Sport. “Last season I was extremely happy on and off the pitch and that’s when you play your best football. I wanted to show my happiness to the fans, let them know that I want to be here and try to take Fulham forward.

“I love playing football here. That’s what I want to do.

“I feel a responsibility to Fulham. It’s been great ever since I arrived. I enjoy playing football, I really enjoy playing it at the Cottage and long may it continue.”

Cairney does, however, appreciate the on-going interest from Benitez, who has made no secret of his desire to add goals and creativity to a Newcastle side who have scored just 14 goals in their first 15 league games of the season.

“It’s a massive accolade that [Newcastle boss] Rafa Benitez wants me,” he said.

“It’s a pat on the back to myself I guess, to know that other managers appreciate what I’m doing.”

Tom Cairney was speaking to the Standard as Fulham FC is an official partner of Konami and Pro Evolution Soccer.