Fulham will face a battle to keep hold of Tom Cairney this summer, and they should consider a loan move for Chelsea young star Mason Mount as a possible replacement.
Chelsea’s Mason Mount in action
Following Fulham’s failure to win promotion through the Championship play-offs, Tom Cairney has been linked with a move away from Craven Cottage this summer and Newcastle United are favourites to land the midfielder (Get West London).
The 26-year-old has established himself as a key player since arriving from Blackburn Rovers but his 13 goals from midfield last campaign propelled him into talismanic status.
Fulham will be hoping that their star man stays at the club for at least another season but the possibility of losing him to a Premier League team would have to be considered likely.
Tom Cairney joined Fulham from Blackburn Rovers in 2015
If Cairney does move onto pastures new then Fulham boss Slavisa Jokanovic will have the unenviable task of replacing the Scottish international.
Fulham may choose to invest heavily in a suitable replacement but a loan move for a young Premier League talent should not be ruled out as a viable option.
If the Cottagers do choose to dip into the loan market for an attacking midfielder then they will only need to look a few miles down the road where Chelsea talent Mason Mount may be available.
Mason Mount (Right) has currently represented England up to U19 level
Mount is a highly rated prospect at the club and has just recently signed a new contract, committing to the Premier League champions until 2021.
He is capable of playing in the attacking midfield role but is also comfortable playing deeper in the midfield; still operating as a box-to-box midfielder. He is renowned at youth level for his ability to score goals as well as being a tough tackler.
A potential season-long loan move would be an attractive proposition to both clubs and would hand Mount the chance to showcase his talents in the ever-competitive Championship; this will only be beneficial to his development.
Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic
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