Fulham head coach Marco Silva has issued an update on the future of Fabio Carvalho, insisting the Championship side have not yet given up hope of the talented midfielder agreeing a new contract.
The 19-year-old will be free to leave the second tier leaders this summer once his current deal expires, having come close to signing for Liverpool during the January transfer window. A deal was in place for the teenage to joined the Reds and then return to the London club on loan for the remainder of the season, which fell though after both parties ran out of time to complete the transaction.
Despite missing out on this purchase midway through the 2021/22 season, the ECHO recently reported that Jurgen Klopp's side are close completing the signing of Carvalho for an initial fee of £5million, which could rise to over £7.5m, having continued to negotiate behind the scenes.
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Silva has continued to be quizzed on the possibility of keeping hold of the Lisbon-born star, who has been with the Cottagers since 2015. Issuing a latest update on the situation, the ex-Everton boss told reporters: "It has been a rumour since November, probably. I am speaking every single week about Fabio Carvalho. His full focus is on our club.
"I can't lie to you, we have been trying to renew his contract and it has been really difficult for us.
"Unfortunately the player has got into the last year of his contract and is a player who is doing a fantastic season. I really love him as a football player and we are helping him to grow as a man and football player.
"About his future, I hope I can have a right answer for you soon - probably the end of the season. It has been tough for us to renew his contract, but let's see what we can do."
Carvalho has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Fulham this term, scoring seven goals and registering seven assists in the league to help fuel his side's title charge. Silva's men are currently ten points clear at the top of the Championship table and are closing in on a return to the Premier League.
