Fulham starlet Fabio Carvalho responds to rumours linking him with a Liverpool move

Fulham’s Fabio Carvalho has spoken about speculation linking him with a move to Liverpool this summer, admitting that it has affected him in recent months.

Carvalho, 19, has been a star in the Championship this season, playing a major part in the Cottagers’ promotion back to the Premier League.

However, it is believed the winger is closing in on a deal to join Liverpool after the League Cup winners missed out on signing him back in January.

Speaking to Fulham’s official matchday programme, Carvalho addressed rumours around his imminent departure from west London, with his contract running out at the end of the season.

He said: ‘I’ve tried not to let it affect me but I’m only human. I’m obviously aware of those stories, even if it’s only subconsciously. I think it has affected me a bit.

‘But what I can say is that I’m determined to keep working hard for Fulham. Whenever I step out on to the pitch wearing a Fulham shirt, I will give it my all. As far as the future goes, whatever happens, happens. My focus is on the here and now.’

After progressing through their academy, Carvalho signed his first professional contract at Fulham back in 2020 and has emerged as one of the Championship’s best young players.

Breaking into the Cottagers’ first-team this season, the winger has played 32 times, scoring nine goals, and picked up the Player of the Month award for August.

Despite once featuring for England’s under-18 team, he now represents Portugal, the country of his birth, and was called up to their under-21 side in March.

Last week, Fulham’s manager Marco Silva conceded Carvalho could leave at the end of the season despite the club being promoted back to the top flight.

He said: ‘I can’t lie to you, we have been trying to