Fulham are reportedly set to resume contract talks with Leeds United summer transfer target Harry Wilson.
Leeds came close to signing Wilson on deadline day last summer, submitting a deal sheet after receiving encouragement before a late Fulham U-turn. The Welshman has gone on to enjoy his best-ever season at Craven Cottage, with eight goals and four assists so far pulling the Cottagers into European contention.
Wilson is believed to still be of interest at Leeds, who will need a longer-term solution to their right-wing/No. 10 problem once Facundo Buonanotte’s loan from Brighton ends this summer. Interestingly, the Fulham forward is out of contract this summer and is currently set to become a free agent.
Contract extension talks have been on hold for some time, but The Standard now reports that Fulham are set to resume discussions. Craven Cottage chiefs are understandably desperate to keep the 28-year-old but face a growing challenge amid increased Premier League interest.
Leeds have kept Wilson on their radar all season, and Premier League rivals Everton saw an enquiry knocked back last week. Sunderland and Crystal Palace have also been linked with any move away from Fulham likely to land the Welsh international a hefty signing-on and salary package, given a transfer fee won’t be needed.
Fulham manager Marco Silva is also out of contract this summer, and there has been no palpable progress regarding his future, leading to suggestions it could be affecting Wilson’s stance. The Cottagers have regularly been forced to knock back approaches for their top scorer, and Silva said earlier this season he hopes an agreement can be reached.
Fulham manager’s stance on Harry Wilson amid Leeds United interest
“I don’t have any doubt right now that Wilson is going to be with us until the end of the season, at least,” Silva said in December. “Let’s hope for more. I don’t have any update [on contract talks]. Of course, when I have any feedback from the board, we [will] say something.
“Until now, no updates, and I keep saying the same. Harry is very focused on his season, not just on our football club. With his country as well, the way he’s performing there, the way he’s performing with us. A top professional is not going to disrupt his season at all.
“Of course, we want [the contract] to be sorted in a different way and quicker. Sometimes it’s not so easy. The right people are speaking to each other. If something new comes, we are going to announce [it].”
Leeds will no doubt have a keen eye on developments surrounding Wilson, having taken advantage of the free agent market following promotion last summer. The Whites welcomed striker pair Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha to Elland Road, with the pair scoring 14 Premier League goals between them so far.
Elland Road chiefs will be looking at another summer of heavy investment should they remain in the Premier League, with upgrades needed to start climbing up the table. The Whites have 14 games to stay ahead of West Ham, who are currently six points adrift in 18th.
