Fulham defender Kenny Tete has admitted that Everton’s interest in him was “very serious”, but Marco Silva fought hard to keep him at Craven Cottage.
[Ajax Showtime](https://www.ajaxshowtime.com/voetbalnieuws/tete-looft-geweldige-bassey-bij-ajax-kwam-hij-op-het-verkeerde-moment) cover comments from the Fulham man today made in an interview with Het Parool in which he discusses Fulham, and his potential exit this summer.
The Dutchman was out of contract at the end of last season and appeared set for a departure as several clubs eyed up a move.
Everton were the ones who pushed hardest for him, with reports explaining that they had secured an agreement with the defender and he was set for a move to Goodison Park on a free transfer.
The transfer appeared to be on course, but Tete instead took a 180 just a few days after those initial reports, signing a new deal at Fulham until 2028.
That left Everton, who are still on the hunt for a new right-back, disappointed but Fulham delighted to have kept a player who has established himself as a key player under Marco Silva.
And the defender explains that it was the Portuguese coach who was key to his decision to stay where he was.
_“Not many players get the chance to play in the Premier League for so long,”_ he said.
_“That interest (from Everton) was very serious. And then suddenly Fulham came forward with an offer. The manager was very supportive of me._
_“We’ve consistently gotten better players, and we’ve always made significant progress. Last season, we broke our points record in the Premier League. Now the time has come to qualify for European football. We’re not the only candidates, but I’m sure it’s possible. Such ambitions require signings, which haven’t been made yet. Good players are welcome.”_