WON’T GET FULLED AGAIN
Silva vows not to allow another Cottage departure on the cheap
MARCO SILVA has told Fulham to act decisively this summer to avoid suffering another Fabio Carvalho-type foul-up.
Rising star Carvalho (below) quit the club last May to join Liverpool for just £5million after being allowed to run down his contract.
And with thoughts at Craven Cottage already turning to next season, Silva is holding talks with all players entering their final year.
He said: “We have some examples at this football club that you don’t want to repeat, that happened with some young lads in the past. Fabio is a good example from last season. Fabio was already in the last year of his contract. We tried to do everything to keep him here.
“It’s difficult when young players start to show quality to keep them for a long period at our club. But we will do our best to keep them here.”
Harrison Reed, Tom Cairney (right), Kenny Tete, Tosin Adarabioyo and Bobby De-Cordova
Reid (bottom) are all entering the final year of their current deals.
But only Reed, Cairney and Tete have an option to extend their deals – while Willian (right) is already out of contract this summer.
Silva said: “I have had some conversations with some of them. Willian’s contract is a priority and we have had some chats. Of course I am speaking to others as well. We don’t like players going into the last season of his contract.
“Sometimes it can happen because you try to renew and it’s not always possible and then you have to manage the situation.” Silva is expecting a warm welcome back to the Cottage for former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson, now in charge of Crystal Palace.
He said: “I’m sure that is going to happen. We created a good relationship. Huge respect for him. A gentleman. Always positive vibes from him.” Fulham go into the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season in 10th spot, eight points ahead of London rivals Chelsea, who have a game in hand. They are practically certain to finish in the top half of the table, not bad for a team heavily tipped for relegation when the campaign began after going up as Championship winners.
Silva’s men, who caught the eye on opening day with a 2-2 draw against Liverpool, go into today’s Craven Cottage clash with Palace on the back of two victories. Two weeks ago they defeated Leicester 5-3 and last week beat relegated Southampton 2-0.