Ruud van Nistelrooy's four-word message about Leicester's new signing told us what he REALLY thinks of their transfer activity and his position on the club's owners, who are under fire, writes JOE BERNSTEIN

Ruud van Nistelrooy was being diplomatic when he opted for a selective audience during a seventh successive defeat that turned the King Power stadium toxic.

Yes, he had noticed the boos and chants of “you don't know what you're doing” directed at him when he made the unpopular decision to dismiss Bilal El Khannouss instead of Jordan Ayew.

But no, he didn't seem to be aware of the equally loud cries of “fire the board” and “we want Rudkin gone” directed at director of football Jon Rudkin.

Van Nistelrooy is no fool and seven weeks into the job he realizes that Leicester's malaise goes far beyond the manager's position.

However, the Premier League's only hope for survival lies in Rudkin and the board providing it with new players in this month's transfer window, so there is no point in acknowledging its low status among the fan base.

Right-back Woyo Coulibaly has signed from Parma and will make his Tottenham debut next weekend.

Ruud van Nistelrooy indicated that Leicester needs more signings to improve

Leicester have already signed Woyo Coulibaly from Parma but need more reinforcements

Fulham's Harry Wilson, who provided an assist, has improved under Marco Silva

“It's a good start,” van Nistelrooy said, with the clear inference that it shouldn't be the end of the spending.

Three of the Foxes' fourth quarter were in their relegation squad from two seasons ago and 38-year-old Jamie Vardy remains their best hope of scoring as substitute Patson Daka has scored once in his last 22 games.

It's obvious they need to recruit. After a brilliant first half-hour on Saturday, Leicester's confidence plummeted when Emile Smith Rowe opened the scoring for Fulham after 48 minutes.

There was a sense of inevitability to Adama Traore's second volley as City fans expressed their anger and frustration.

By contrast, Fulham sit serenely in mid-table. It is surprising that his coach Marco Silva is not as linked with top jobs as Brentford's Thomas Frank, who is older and below him in the table.

Welsh international Harry Wilson, who assisted on the second goal, is one of the players Silva has improved.

“I'm in one of those moments where I feel fit and I'm creating and scoring goals,” he said.