Ruud van Nistelrooy’s four-word message about Leicester’s new signing told us what he REALLY thinks of their transfer activity – and where he stands on the club’s under-fire owners, writes JOE BERNSTEIN

Ruud van Nistelrooy was being diplomatic when he chose to have selective hearing during a seventh consecutive 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’ aimed at him when he made the unpopular decision to take off Bilal El Khannouss rather than Jordan Ayew.

But, no, he didn’t seem to be aware of the equally loud cries of ‘sack the board’ and ‘we want Rudkin out’ targeting director of football Jon Rudkin.

Van Nistelrooy is not daft and seven weeks into the job realises Leicester’s malaise goes well beyond the manager’s seat.

Yet the only hope of Premier League survival rests with Rudkin and the board providing him with new players in this month’s transfer window, hence there is no point acknowledging their low stock among the fan base.

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

Ruud van Nistelrooy indicated that Leicester require further signings if they are 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,’ said van Nistelrooy with the clear inference it shouldn’t be the end of the spending.

Three of the Foxes back-four were in their relegation team of two seasons ago and 38-year-old Jamie Vardy is still their best hope of goals with back-up Patson Daka having scored once in his last 22 games.

It’s obvious they need to recruit. After a bright first half-hour on Saturday, Leicester’s confidence plummeted down a well once Emile Smith Rowe had opened the scoring for Fulham after 48 minutes.

There was a sense of inevitability about Adama Traore’s volleyed second as City fans vented their anger and frustration.

In contrast, Fulham sit serenely in mid-table. It’s a wonder their manager Marco Silva isn’t linked with the best jobs as much as Brentford’s Thomas Frank, who is both older and below him in the table.

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

‘I am in one of those spells where I feel fit and I’m creating and scoring goals,’ he said.