Fulham wonderkid Ryan Sessegnon admits he turned down the opportunity to move to Tottenham due to a potential lack of first-team football.
The 17-year-old left-back broke into the first-team setup at Craven Cottage during the 2016-17 season, and proved to be one of their most impressive players as they reached the Championship play-offs.
He scored seven goals and supplied four assists from 30 appearances in all competitions, and his red hot form has caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs this summer.
The Evening Standard claim Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United were among the elite sides coveting the youngster’s services, but Sessegnon has ended speculation on his future by signing a new contract.
Sessegnon had yet to commit to a professional deal with the Championship club, which raised further doubt over his long-term future with the Cottagers.
But the club confirmed on their official website on Wednesday that the highly-rated teenager had put pen-to-paper on a three-year-deal, temporarily putting an end to interest from the Premier League.
However, the England Under-19 international has revealed that he chose to remain at Fulham because of his regular role in the first-team squad, a role which would not be guaranteed elsewhere.
He said, as quoted by the Standard: “Last season I got a lot of opportunities so I want to continue that. When you are young you just want to play as many games as you can.
“To play 30 games last year was good. It is always about improving and this season I want to get better. I am just happy for it to be done now. I can kick on and get ready for the season.”
Tottenham currently have two senior left-backs at their disposal in international duo Danny Rose and Ben Davies, meaning Sessegnon would have seen opportunities limited.
However, Sessegnon’s recent commitment to his current club is reportedly not set to deter Tottenham, who will remain interested in the youngster and his twin brother, Steven.
Bleacher Report claim that the north London club will attempt to strike a deal for the pair “further down the line”.