Leeds continue to be linked with Harry Wilson after trying – but failing – to land the Wales international on transfer deadline day in September.
The Fulham No.8 has since embarked on a tremendous season, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 16 Premier League appearances.
Harry Wilson hinted that he may seek a January exit from Craven Cottage when speaking after Fulham defeated Nottingham Forest on Monday night, saying: “If we (Wales) get to the World Cup, I want to be in the best shape. What’s going to put me in the best position is (being) somewhere where I’m playing (and) getting the minutes.”
David Ornstein has now provided a new update for Leeds fans to digest.
Leeds United still want him, but can they sign Harry Wilson in January? 🤞
Rob Dorsett on Harry Wilson:
“They [Leeds] would remain keen again in January as they look to strengthen their squad for a battle against relegation, but a move [for Wilson] is currently deemed unlikely.”
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Leeds United told Harry Wilson move is more “likely” in the summer
Speaking on NBC Sports, the hugely reliable journalist said: “Harry Wilson… a lot of clubs are looking at him. My feeling is he’s more likely to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, maximise his earnings, which wouldn’t be great for Fulham because they would lose him for free, but they would maximise his footballing ability for this last six months.”
The 28-year-old becomes a free agent in July as things stand, having failed to reach an agreement with Fulham over a new contract at this moment in time.
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Signing a player of Wilson’s quality on a free transfer would be remarkable business for Leeds, but the 49ers would be taking a risk by waiting until the summer – as competition for his signature will be far more fierce once he officially becomes a free agent.
However, as Ornstein says, it is in the player’s interests financially to wait, as those who move on free transfers are usually given an inflated salary due to the absence of any transfer fee.
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
So, if Leeds are determined to take Wilson in January, the 49ers might have to dangle a very attractive salary packet in front of him to make it happen.
Harry Wilson is talented enough to keep Leeds United up – the 49ers have to make a bid
Wilson – who Ethan Ampadu rates highly – is currently at that stage of his career where everything he touches seemingly turns to gold.
Six points clear of the bottom three – Leeds can start to relax… can’t they? 😤
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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With a goal and two assists in a 3-2 win over Burnley, and the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Tottenham, the Liverpool academy graduate has earned Fulham six points on his own this term.
Without those points, Fulham would be sitting 17th on 17 points and firmly in a relegation battle.
With Leeds sat 16th on 19 points, there is still a long way to go until survival is secured, but signing a game-changer in Wilson this winter could well be enough to speed safety up.
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