Fulham confident of keeping academy star Seth Ridgeon despite Manchester United efforts | OneFootball

Ridgeon was given a tour of Old Trafford and Carrington by United as part of their attempts to sign him

Highly-rated: England U17’s captain Sam Ridgeon has attracted plenty of attention

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Fulham are confident of keeping hold of highly-rated academy midfielder Seth Ridgeon.

Standard Sport understand that Ridgeon, who has been linked with moves to Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, is viewed as a crucial part of Fulham's long-term future.

The club are optimistic they can fend off interest in the 16-year-old.

The Athletic reported earlier this month that Ridgeon had been offered a contract by Man United, with the England Under-17s captain given tours of both Old Trafford and the club's Carrington training complex.

Fulham, though, are desperate to keep hold of Ridgeon, who has already featured for the club's Under-21s team, and are confident they can strike a deal to ensure he stays at Craven Cottage.

The club’s focus so far this summer has been on contract renewals, with Tom Cairney, Kenny Tete, and academy graduate Josh King signing new deals.

The latter's new four-year deal, which comes after a breakthrough season with the first team, will no doubt be used to try and convince Ridgeon of the pathway the club have created for academy players.

King featured 11 times for Fulham last season, including eight appearances in the Premier League.

Still just 18 years old, King is considered a big part of Marco Silva's plans.

United are said to have made an impressive offer to Ridgeon, who are keen to snap up the best young talent in Britain.

However, Fulham can point to the fact that they were able to offer King his first-team debut at just 17 years old and could feasibly do the same for Ridgeon were he to stay at the club.