Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic spends 50th celebrating Ryan Sessegnon staying at club

The Cottagers spent about £100million on 12 new recruits this summer and Sessegnon is one of the few from the promotion-winning side to keep his place.

The winger has made 72 league appearances since his debut at the age of 16 and has attracted interest from Tottenham, who host Fulham tomorrow.

Boss Jokanovic is relieved he kept his boy wonder out of Spurs’ clutches and says introverted Sessegnon is still the silent assassin he has been in the last two years.

The Serb said: “I must be happy (he’s still here). Ryan Sessegnon is one of the most important players from last season.

“We trust he can help us in this challenge that is immediately ahead of us.

“He’s one of the longest-serving players to play in this team. This is part of our process.

“At the moment he is in position like last season.

“He is one man who didn’t give you so many problems. Sometimes you don’t know if he is on the pitch because you don’t hear so many times his voice!”

Jokanovic turned 50 yesterday but would not divulge whether a gift of a new contract is in the offing from the club as it is “a private thing”.

Talks over a fresh deal for the Cottagers chief are understood to be ongoing.

But for now the ex-Watford boss will have to hope his players can deliver him a present of three points tomorrow.

It is a tall order given the quality at Mauricio Pochettino’s disposal – though Fulham tasted success the last time they went to Wembley for May’s play-off final victory.

To secure a result, Fulham will likely have to ensure Harry Kane’s bizarre August streak continues.

The England captain is still yet to score in the eighth month of the year – a stretch that now stands at 14 games after the blank he drew against Newcastle last week.

And Jokanovic offered up a fresh new theory on why Kane struggles at this time of year.

The ex-Chelsea midfielder joked: “Maybe it’s too hot for him?

“I hope he doesn’t score against us but I don’t know why it’s only August months.

“He scores many goals and at the end he’s one of the top scorers in the English football.

“When we are talking about money, if (Tottenham) wants to spend this money that Fulham spend this window it’s simple: Sell this guy and they will still have £80million more in the pocket.

“We must be organised to stop him and this kind of the quality players that we will find facing on Saturday.”

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