Leeds United transfers as Fulham boss rates chances of Harry Wilson January exit with contract update
Leeds United wanted the Welsh international in the summer and remain in need of attacking reinforcements.
Fulham manager Marco Silva has categorically ruled out the prospect of a January exit for Leeds United summer target Harry Wilson.
Leeds saw a deadline-day move for Wilson fall through late on, having identified the Welsh international as an option to strengthen a key area of the squad. Daniel Farke wanted a right-winger who could drift inside and take set-pieces but a Fulham change of heart left the German wanting more as the widow slammed shut.
As many expected, Leeds have struggled for goals and creativity this season, with the right-wing spot Wilson would have filled a regular bone of contention. Brenden Aaronson and Daniel James have one goal and one assist between them in a combined 1,145 minutes of Premier League football.
With Leeds expected to strengthen in attacking areas once the January window opens, interest in Wilson will likely remain given his Fulham contract expires at the end of this season. But Silva expects the winger, who scored his third Premier League goal of the campaign in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, to remain at Craven Cottage.
“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 as his side prepare to face Manchester City. “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.”
Leeds might have to look elsewhere for January reinforcements and with managing director Robbie Evans revealing they are at the limit of PSR-related losses, a six-month loan deal could be more feasible. But if the Whites avoid relegation and remain keen on Wilson going into the summer, they could snap up a bargain.
Harry Wilson Fulham contract latest amid Leeds United transfer interest
The 28-year-old is out of contract at Craven Cottage in June and therefore available to leave as a free agent when the season ends, as things stand - he can start speaking with foreign clubs from January. And Silva, whose Fulham deal also expires in the summer, was unable to provide an update on discussions.
“Until now, no updates and I keep saying the same,” he added. “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 comes new, we are going to announce [it].”
Elland Road chiefs are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, of course, with focus on strengthening Farke’s squad in January as they look to avoid the drop. Attacking quality will likely be at the forefront of any mid-season business which can start taking place in just over four weeks.