Fulham are keen to open talks with Ryan Sessegnon over a new contract with the teenage star’s current deal expiring in less than two years.
The 18-year-old has proved himself one of the best young players in England during the last two seasons and the club want to secure his long-term future as a matter of urgency.
Sessegnon showed his commitment to Fulham by signing professional terms when he was 17, even though England’s and Europe’s elite were keen to take him. His judgement proved sound as he helped Fulham reach the Premier League last season, and started their first two games in the top flight.
Fulham spent more than £100m in the transfer market this summer but Sessegnon remains arguably their most valuable asset and a new deal would be expected to reflect that status. The arrival of players like Jean-Michael Seri and Aleksandar Mitrovic means the wage bill has increased in size.
Even though Fulham made it clear they would not sell Sessegnon last summer, the interest in him remains, particularly given his contractual position.
At present, Sessegnon’s sole focus is on establishing Fulham in the Premier League, though it was a surprise to see manager Slavisa Jokanovic leave him out of the starting XI in each of their last two league fixtures.
Both Tottenham and Manchester United showed strong interest in Sessegnon, while Spurs also looked at a deal to take Ryan’s twin, Steven, to north London along with his brother. Tottenham are thought to have enquired about Sessegnon in each of the last two summers.
Sessegnon was a surprise contender for a place in England’s World Cup squad last summer and will be followed closely by manager Gareth Southgate throughout this campaign. He came on as a second-half substitute for England Under-21s in their 2-1 win in Latvia last night.
