Marco Silva has conceded that Fulham forward Jay Stansfield could leave on loan this season – but only if he finds the right destination for the youngster.
Silva has been impressed with the 20 year-old, who has been involved in all of Fulham’s pre-season friendlies and was an unused substitute in the 1-0 win at Everton that opened the new campaign, since he returned from an emotional loan spell at Exeter City in May. Stansfield scored nine times in 36 games at St. James’ Park, where he wore the number nine shirt that had been retired in memory of his late father Adam.
Grecians manager Gary Caldwell admitted today that Tiverton-born Stansfield wouldn’t be returning to Exeter this season and recent reports claimed that several Championship sides, including Queens Park Rangers, Millwall and Sunderland hold an interest in taking the England under-20 international on loan.
The Fulham head coach told his press conference at Motspur Park this afternoon:
“It is a good sign that all these clubs — and they are good Championship clubs — want Jay. He is a fantastic boy and we all love him at this football club. He wants to play football every single weekend. We are going to make a decision for him, but it depends on our market as well and our squad.
Even if it was in a lower division for eight months, he has come back stronger and grown as a football player. We don’t want to put him at just any club. He needs to go to a club that plays a certain way. I am in contact with him every day. I know what he would like to happen but let’s see what is best for the club as well.”
