The League One duo Football League World believes that Leyton Orient and Wigan Athletic are among the EFL clubs considering a late loan deal for highly regarded Fulham youngster Kristian Sekularac.
In recent years, the two third-tier sides have heavily relied on the loan market.
Orient are on track for a top-six finish under Richie Wellens this season, thanks in large part to the performances of on-loan Tottenham Hotspur and Blackburn Rovers players Jamie Donley and Dilan Markanday.
Wigan’s aspirations for the rest of the season are more modest, but they are confident that Martial Godo’s success on loan from the Cottagers last season will help them beat off competition for Sekularac.
Leyton Orient, Wigan Athletic and Hibernian interested in Fulham FC’s Kristian Sekularac
With only a few days till Monday’s deadline, transfer activity will undoubtedly pick up, particularly for loan transactions. Premier League clubs frequently break the rules and allow such transactions later in the window, which could happen again with Sekularac.
According to sources close to FLW, the 21-year-old goalscoring midfielder is being tracked by Orient and Wigan, as well as Scottish side Hibernian and a host of other clubs in the EFL and north of the line.
Any change would be temporary until the conclusion of the season, as Sekularac is well regarded in West London.
Leyton Orient, Wigan Athletic transfer target Kristian Sekularac is a promising talent
Sekularac, a former Juventus academy player who was born in London but has represented Switzerland at juvenile level, is viewed as a promising talent by Fulham, having shined for the club’s under-21 team this season.
Sekularac, who plays most of his games as an advanced number eight, is recognised for his eye for goal and is the leading scorer in Premier League 2 this season with eight goals in just 13 appearances.
The playmaker has yet to make his professional debut for Fulham, but he has clearly outgrown youth-team football, therefore a loan move to acquire more experience and exposure appears likely before February 3.
He might significantly help Orient’s promotion ambitions, but Wellens would face a selection dilemma with Spurs loan star Donley currently excelling in that attacking midfield position. Game time may be more forthcoming at Wigan, but Orient’s promotion drive and proximity to Fulham – which allows for sufficient, continuous advancement tracking – suggest that a deal may be difficult for the Latics to negotiate.
