Fulham ward off interest from Premier League big boys by insisting ‘next Ashley Cole’ isn’t for sale

By Adam Ellis

Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has stated that teenage starlet Ryan Sessegnon will not be going anywhere this summer, amid rumours the 16-year-old is close to signing a new deal with the play-off chasing Championship side.

The full-back, who has also be utilised on the wing by Jokanovic this season, has been watched by scouts from the Premier League’s current top seven clubs, including Chelsea manager Antonio Conte himself.

As one of the country’s top talents touted for future worldwide stardom, the Serb has been relatively mute when asked about the England Under-19 international’s transfer availability.

But with the season approaching its end and the summer transfer window set to open on 1 July, Jokanovic has gone on the record to issue a hands-off warning to clubs who boast Champions League football in their schedules.

After the Cottagers training session held today ahead of their clash against Norwich on Good Friday, Fulham’s official Twitter account posted the quote below.

The #FFC Heach Coach says Ryan Sessegnon "will not be in the transfer market in the summer."

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) April 12, 2017

Promoted from Fulham’s Under-18 set-up by Jokanovic at the start of the season, Sessegnon made his professional league debut for the Whites in their 1-1 draw away at Elland Road in August.

Since then the youngster has made a further 21 appearances in the Championship which have drawn the attention of European clubs.

Bundesliga moneybags RB Leipzig have kept scouts who identified Nottingham Forest’s Oliver Burke as a target in the country, and, despite the emphasis of their job being to keep an eye on Forest’s production line, they have taken a look at Sessegnon.

Reports have suggested that Bayern Munich have also watched Sessegnon, with his manager suggesting he could play at the very top after seeing his talents first-hand.

“He is only 16 years-old but 100 per cent this player is going to be at the highest level soon,” Jokanovic claimed in February.

“I am enjoying the opportunity to work with and use him in my squad I hope for a long time, but in this business you never know what is going to happen.”

Sessegnon will turn 17 on 18 May, the day following the conclusion of the Championship play-off semi-finals and the date at Wembley set.

Fulham lay two points away from being in with a shot at promotion and they seek to chase down Sheffield Wednesday in 7th.

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Fulham’s remaining Championship fixtures:

Fri 14 April – Norwich City (A)

Mon 17 April – Aston Villa (H)

Sat 22 April – Huddersfield (A)

Sat 29 April – Brentford (H)

Sun 7 May – Sheffield Wednesday (A)