Scott Parker told his pre-match press conference that competing with Everton was a ‘challenge’ after Joshua King snubbed Fulham to move to Goodison Park on deadline day.
As the hours were ticking closer to Monday’s 11 pm deadline, rumours started surfacing about Everton and Fulham being in a potential tug-of-war for the Bournemouth hitman’s signature.
At one point, it seemed as though King was going to move to the capital (Sky Sports), but he opted to join Carlo Ancelotti’s European-chasing side instead.
Parker shared his thoughts on the King drama and how he understands why the 51-cap Norway international picked the Merseyside giants.
“We tried to do other bits,” said Parker. “Josh King was that one and it was getting documented.
“We tried and we pushed. But obviously, competing with Everton was a challenge and he decided to go there and I understand that.
“Not really emotional [in missing out on King] because I realise the way that transfers work, really. We were trying for both players, we got one [Josh Maja] and we have got a squad here now which I am happy with.”
It could be argued that King was more needed at Craven Cottage than at Goodison Park because Parker’s men are battling relegation.
Not only that, King would slot straight into Fulham’s XI, whereas at Everton, he will face a challenge for a starting berth.
Either way, he adds versatility, depth, quality and experience to Ancelotti’s forward line.
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