Harry Wilson has an ideal landing spot back on Merseyside...just not with Liverpool

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As near-misses go, they do not come any more eye-catching than Harry Wilson’s effort against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Eighteen yards out, in the corner of the penalty area, a shot looks unlikely. But Wilson sets it up for a left-footed strike, which, in golfing parlance, has a yard of draw on it.

The dip and bend is impressively significant but a fraction too late to duck inside the post. It was the type of attempt that Mohamed Salah has patented.

Which is probably why some Liverpool fans are floating the idea of re-signing Wilson when, as seems inevitable, he becomes a free agent at the end of the season. It would not be the worst idea.

Wilson had mixed fortunes for Wales in that play-off semi-final in Cardiff. The shot against the upright was the highlight of a cagey first half and he then missed a great chance in extra-time, although the headed block from Tarik Muharemovic was something special.

Wilson looked distraught but regained his composure to convert Wales’ first penalty of the shootout. He had bottle and he had technique.

Now that he won’t be going to the World Cup, Wilson can turn his full attention to a decision on his future. The 29-year-old could stay at Fulham but that is looking increasingly unlikely, especially as the future of Marco Silva, his highly supportive manager, is still uncertain.

But Wilson has a dilemma. He is most definitely in his prime, demonstrated by his 11 goals and seven assists in 34 appearances for Fulham this season.

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Watching him at close quarters in Cardiff, he has clearly strengthened, undaunted by a very physical test against uncompromising opposition. He even held his own in aerial challenges. Quite simply, Wilson has matured into an excellent all-round player.

“Sometimes, it just clicks in a player,” his international manager, Craig Bellamy, said. And it has clicked for Wilson, which is why this next stage of his career gives him that dilemma.

If Liverpool were interested, it would be tempting. But Wilson had eight years as a professional at his boyhood club and never saw a single minute of Premier League action for Liverpool.

That must leave a mark. Salah is leaving but there will be plenty of options to fill his place, game by game. Which is why it would be perfectly understandable if Wilson decided Everton would be an ideal destination.

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There would be more of a starting guarantee and his profile would appeal to David Moyes. Everton could yet secure European football for next season - Champions League football, even - and there is a feeling on Merseyside that a brave, new, blue era is beginning in their new home.

Everton’s interest was established late in the January transfer window and will surely be stepped up if any late Fulham attempts to keep Wilson are rejected. There will be plenty of suitors and Aston Villa will be amongst them.

But if he does indeed decide to leave Fulham - where, it has to be said, he has seemed very happy with life - then a return to Merseyside would seem ideal. This time, though, to a different half.