Scott Parker admits that he would not stand in the way of Ryan Babel if he chose to leave Fulham at the end of the season.
The former Liverpool man joined the Whites on a short-term deal in January and is out of contract at the end of the season, with the Dutchman's future currently uncertain following the club's relegation from the Premier League.
And Parker, who has recently overseen two wins in a row since the club's relegation was confirmed, admits that he won't be holding the 32-year-old back should he choose to leave, although he says he would like to keep Babel, who has scored four goals since joining.
“Ryan Babel has been fantastic for us, and his next move will depend on offers," the caretaker manager said, speaking ahead of Fulham's game against Cardiff City at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
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"I completely understand that and won't be holding him back.
"But we like him a lot and if there's a possibility of signing a player of his calibre, he'd be top of the list."
Parker added that he hopes Fulham can keep the majority of the current squad together as they look to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt, but he conceded that some changes were inevitable.
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"Relegation brings a lot of disappointment and uncertainty, and you understand the squad is going to change," he said.
"But the owners are very positive and will be doing everything in their power to keep the squad as strong as possible going into next season."
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