Manager: This player reportedly top of Tottenham shopping list is so good he will be phenomenally rich
By Dominic Toner
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic has urged Ryan Sessegnon not to rush into a big-money move as he will become phenomenally rich even if he stays and learns his trade at Fulham.
The Daily Mail claim that Tottenham are leading the Europe-wide race to sign the 16-year-old defender after his impressive performances for Fulham in the Championship this season.
It is understood that Spurs want to beat off several rivals for his signature and believe they can win the race.
The report details that Arsenal, Liverpool Bayern Munich, Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and United are also showing their interest.
Sessegnon is currently on a scholarship contract with Fulham and will not be able to sign a professional deal until his 17th birthday in May.
Jokanovic believes that his immediate future should be to remain with Fulham and he should ignore interest from the likes of Spurs.
“In my opinion Ryan will earn a lot of money in his life, but he should just enjoy his first days as a professional with us now, at this level,” Jokanovic told the Evening Standard.
“Ryan and those around him need support to make the best decision.
“From my side, the best thing is for him to stay with us, keep going in this learning process and keep preparing for a more important step.”
Sessegnon has enjoyed a meteoric rise this season and has integrated fully to the first-team squad for promotion-chasing Fulham.
The left-back has made 19 senior appearances this campaign and is tipped to become a mega star.
He is an attack-minded full-back and has shown that by scoring four goals and supplying three assists this season.
Spurs are always keen to bring through young English players and will hope to persuade Sessegnon to join the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks at White Hart Lane.
However, Fulham will be keen not to lose another young asset on the cheap after getting just £500k in compensation for the then 19-year-old Moussa Dembele, who signed with Celtic in the summer. Celtic now rate him at £30million+.
In other Tottenham transfer news, Daniel Levy has made a startling admission about their academy products.
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