Jokanovic holds talks with Sessegnon about speculation over youngster’s future

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Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic has spoken with Ryan Sessegnon about speculation surrounding his future but says the youngster has been unaffected by reports linking him with Premier League clubs. 

Tottenham have long been interested in the 17-year-old and reports claim he is wanted by the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.

Jokanovic said: “I spoke with him and tried to discover if he is okay, and if some kind of situation and so much news affects him.

“He is quiet and he is okay. He is focussed only on the job immediately in front of him.

“We cannot avoid this kind of news, gossip and rumours around him. It’s part of the profession and he must live his life in this kind of situation.

“I never treat anybody like a kid from a primary school, nor Ryan. I treat him like an adult. He shows he is an adult in this profession he is working in right now.

“He is so ready for the battle ahead for us. He has shown it many times and I am sure he will continue to show the same level and desire for working with the team.”

Sessegnon was recently likened to a young Gareth Bale by on-loan Southampton left-back Matt Targett, but Jokanovic believes the 17-year-old is more similar to Real Madrid’s Marcelo.

“He has been compared with Bale, I hear, but he can be like Marcelo,” Jokanovic said.

“It’s a more natural position for him to be an offensive full-back. He can be an offensive full-back for some big team.

“His physicality is fantastic. He can attack from both positions (left wing and left-back). I use him where it is best for the team. It depends on the situation.”