Anderlecht midfielder has been linked with a transfer to Everton.
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Belgium midfielder Youri Tielemans is enjoying the best season of his blossoming career to date, netting 12 league goals so far.
The 19-year-old’s form has seen him earn a spot in Belgium’s national team, and be linked with a transfer to England’s Premier League.
The Mirror reported last month that Everton are strongly interested in the midfielder, and Anderlecht face a tough challenge to hang onto him this summer.
While on international duty this week Tielemans was quizzed over his future, and responded coyly, even suggesting he might be content to stay put for another season.
Speaking to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad when asked about a transfer, he said: “I do not need a transfer, not really. After the season I’m going to sit together with my agent to take stock.
“I have taken many steps forward this season. But it can be even better. At Anderlecht everything went quickly but here [with Belgium] I must have patience. I’m learning a lot. Technically but also mentally.”
His national team boss is former Everton manager Roberto Martinez, who also weighed in on his future when asked.
Belgium manager Roberto Martinez
Martinez implied, report Voetball Nieuws that Tielemans needs to work on his game as a priority, rather than jumping too early.
“It is important that he continues to challenge himself and I mean it is not that a transfer is absolutely necessary.
“I see him constantly progressing, but sometimes his game may be a little too ‘simple’. In addition, winning mentality can be even better. He needs to really want to win more games.
He added: “Youri is an exceptional player, we all know his qualities. What I especially like is his personality. It’s incredible to see a player in nineteen years with such experience.”
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