Leeds United can walk away from holding any further negotiations with Liverpool over the transfer of Harry Wilson after Fulham entered the race for the Wales international.
Reports have suggested that the Whites have been in contact with Liverpool to discuss a potential move for Wilson to join Marcelo Bielsa’s ranks ahead of the new Premier League season, with the club seemingly keen to further bolster our attacking contingent.
But we were not alone in sounding out the potential of Wilson departing Anfield this summer, with it noted that Southampton and Newcastle United had also been in talks with the reigning top-flight champions.
Now, Fulham are understood to have entered the race, with The Sun’s Alan Nixon stating that our former Championship rivals believe the 23-year-old fits the bill for their ideal target due to his abilities on the ball and experience in the game.
Wilson spent last season on loan with AFC Bournemouth as the Cherries were relegated, making 20 starts over 31 appearances in which he contributed seven goals and no assists.
Liverpool have long been informing sides that they will only consider selling Wilson this summer and that temporary deals are off the table, meaning any side wishing to land the 17-cap winger must hand over £20million – which Nixon claims to be too much for Fulham.
The price tag in question was previously thought to have likewise led our Director of Football Victor Orta to back away from negotiations, but the growing interest should ensure that all lines of communication with the Merseyside outfit are closed.
Would you want Wilson at Elland Road?
Yes
No
Wilson will not be able to offer anywhere near enough under Bielsa next season to warrant winning the seemingly ever-increasing race for his signature, having been a serious disappointment with Bournemouth last term despite scoring their second-most league goals.
The 23-year-old only ranked 13th among the Cherries’ first-team for successful dribbles (0.5) in a Premier League fixture, while ranking 10th for key balls (0.5), 14th for accurate crosses (0.1), 12th for accurate long balls (1.4) and took the sixth-most unsuccessful touches (1.1), per WhoScored.
It would likely take too long for Bielsa to iron out Wilson’s shortcomings to make the lofty investment needed worthwhile, and Orta should ideally prioritise beating Leicester City to Udinese star Rodrigo de Paul and hand the boss a true game-changing signing.