Fulham hope to fight Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and City with new Roberts deal
FULHAM hope they can persuade youngster Patrick Roberts to stay at the club by offering him a new contract, despite interest in the striker from the Premier League’s top sides.
Fulham want to sign Patrick Roberts up to a longer contract
Roberts, 18, has earned a handful of games at England U-19 level and has made 19 appearances for the Cottagers this season.
He has just one year remaining on his contract but the Evening Standard today claim Fulham will look to extend it before England’s top clubs swoop in.
Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham are all believed to be trailing the youngster, who came through the Fulham academy and made his debut in March 2014.
According to FA regulations, clubs would still have to pay Fulham compensation for the player if he departed on a free transfer when his contract expires next summer because he is under the age of 24.
Manager Kit Symons confirmed a new contract will be offered to Roberts.
“He is a sensible lad,” Symons said. “He wants to play, of course he does. I would be a bit worried if he did not want to play, but he understands the situation and the predicament of the club. It is about the club rather than individuals at the moment.
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“It is a little bit early for him to play Championship football regularly at the moment, and also because of the position we are in. You have got to be careful with young players.
“We have probably played too many this season. I inherited a squad and have had to do the best I can with it. There were a lot of young players in that squad and I am conscious of them not getting hurt.”
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