Bristol City are targeting a loan move for Fulham’s England Under-21 international right-back Steven Sessegnon.
Bristol Live understands that City are hopeful of landing the 20-year-old ahead of Championship rivals Swansea City and Reading, but the Cottagers are yet to make a final decision on his future.
If City are successful in bringing him to Ashton Gate, Sessegnon looks set to compete with Jack Hunt and Zak Vyner as a right wing-back in Dean Holden’s preferred 3-5-2 formation.
With Pedro Pereira having returned to Benfica following the conclusion of his loan at the end of the 2019/20 season, City are a man light on the right flank.
Vyner finished the season in that role, making some impressive performances, but the 23-year-old is also a centre-back option and Sessegnon would provide further cover and competition in what could be a key area of the field for City.
Sessegnon, the twin brother of Tottenham’s Ryan, made 14 Championship appearances, starting nine matches but may find his opportunities in the Premier League limited following Fulham’s promotion.
The 20-year-old, who is under contract until 2022 with the option of a further year, is third-choice right-back behind Dennis Odoi and Republic of Ireland international Cyrus Christie, and Fulham are likely to feel his long-term development will be aided by a full Championship season.
City will be hoping Sessegnon’s relationship with new assistant coach Paul Simpson could help swing the deal, having worked with the defender at England Under-20 level.
However, the presence of Swansea as an interested party also potentially complicates any approach as Swans head coach Steve Cooper has been successful in bringing a number of his former England Under-17 players to the Liberty Stadium.
Rhian Brewster (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea) and Marc Guehi (Chelsea) have all been signed on temporary deals by the South Wales club, thanks to Cooper’s connections, with Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White poised to be the next.
Sessegnon was part of the England team which lifted the U17 World Cup in India, playing five times at the tournament under Cooper.
