Marco Silva dismisses suggestions Harry Wilson could leave Fulham

Marco Silva, the Fulham manager, has dismissed suggestions that Harry Wilson could leave the club.

Wilson capped a fine performance in the club’s 3-1 win over Brentford at Craven Cottage on Saturday with his first goal of the season.

It marked another positive step for the 28-year-old Wales international, who has gone from strength to strength since almost joining Leeds in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

A private jet was ready to convey Wilson to Yorkshire on transfer deadline day only for Fulham, who had targeted Chelsea attacker Tyrique George as a potential replacement, to pull the plug on the deal.

‘I know how much Harry Wilson wants to stay in the football club’

Wilson reportedly remains a target for Daniel Farke’s side but, having retained the services of the former Liverpool man, Silva insists he has not been unsettled by talk of a move and remains committed to the club.

“He’s not going to be distracted at all,” said Silva. “I know him very well, he’s not a player that is with me just one month, two months or two years. It’s his fifth season with us. 

“[He] was my first signing in this football club when I joined, and I know him very well. For me, it was never a problem, and I know really how much he wants to stay in the football club. 

“Of course, conversations between us and his representatives [will take place] as well, and let’s see what is going to happen. 

“But I know really the aim of him is to stay in the football club, and if we can get an agreement, his future is going to be with us, 100% sure.”

‘For me, it was not a situation’

Wilson, who is eager to get playing time under his belt as Wales attempt to qualify for a second successive World Cup, has featured in each of Fulham’s games this season. With his existing contract due to expire next summer, he is hoping to secure a long-term deal.

“Of course he’s looking for what is best for him like the club is trying to get the best for the football club, but I know what his aim is,” added Silva.

“I think it’s normal, a player with the quality that he has, and in the last year of his contract, in terms of interest in him. 

“[But] for me, it was not a situation, that was the reason he started the first Premier League game before deadline day.”