Jol: Foreign player deals are a must

Martin Jol blames inflated transfer fees for young English players for forcing him to recruit from abroad.

The Dutchman saw most of England’s young stars in action against the Netherlands at Wembley on Wednesday, all of whom he admits Fulham cannot afford.

Jol told The Mirror: “I would love to sign all the English players because they are English and they know the English league and they are used to it.”

“As you know, if you wanted Phil Jones at the back, who is one of the best talents in Europe, you will have to pay a lot of money and we cannot do that.”

“In Europe you can find them for a lot less and that is the problem for a lot of clubs except for clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, ­Tottenham and Arsenal, they can do it and they do.”

One of the talents on show on Wednesday was former Fulham defender Chris Smalling.

“Smalling is a good player, but United paid a lot of money for him.”

“He was here for a few months, but he was not even a regular. They bought him for a lot of money and we realise that we will never be able to do that.”

“In England the big clubs can and there are a lot of good players, but even in Holland, as soon they play in the first team they are worth seven or eight million.”

“I would like to find them earlier in the youth teams or reserves so it’s a different philosophy.”

Jol admitted his interest in the fortunes of the England international team but expressed concern at the lack of a game-changer in the side.

“I have always liked the quality of the English players and I do want them to do well because I have worked here for eight years. But I’ve got mixed feelings.”

“I don’t think England are far away. English players are as good as anybody, but with Holland we always have a Johan Cruyff or an Arjen Robben to make a difference.”

“If everyone wants to play for England, they’ll do well.”

“I don’t know if you saw our squad, but everyone was there, everyone. If everyone is there England could be one of the best teams.”