Ryan Sessegnon in action against Reading earlier this season (Getty)

Manchester United and Tottenham’s interest in Ryan Sessegnon has been boosted after Fulham signed a ready-made replacement.

Sessegnon has been the subject of speculation since bursting onto the scene last season.

The 17-year-old made 25 appearances in the Championship last term and managed to score five goals and provide three assists.

It caught the attention of numerous clubs with Manchester United and Tottenham in particular understood to be keen on the England Under-19 international.

Reports suggest Spurs have made an offer of £25million, which Fulham rejected. There are also suggestions Manchester United could make a late move as they look to resolve their left-back issues.

Sessegnon celebrates a brace against Newcastle last term (Getty)

While Fulham have so far rebuffed advances, they do now have a replacement in place should they decide to sell, something they may be unable to resist if the right offer comes in.

The Cottagers announced the signing of left-back Rafa Soares on loan from Porto yesterday, with the club boasting that they had fought off ‘two major European clubs’ for his services.

While not referencing Sessegnon, Fulham’s vice-chairman Tony Khan hinted that Soares could play a major role in the season ahead once he returns to action from an injury.

‘We’ll count on Rafa to bring a new dimension to our back line once he returns to play and that’s not far off, possibly early autumn, but we will be smart and patient.’

Soares’ comments to Fulham’s official website suggested he expects to be a feature in the side: ‘I had other options, other clubs were interested in me, but the way Fulham acted, I was decisive that I wanted to come here, and I think it’s the right time to be here.’

Sessegnon can also play as a left-sided forward, which would enable Fulham to accommodate both players. But the signing of Soares will only fuel speculation that Fulham are preparing for the exit of their highly-rated teenager.

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