Sutton United striker Stefan Payne has denied signing for Premier League side Fulham, but has confirmed Roy Hodgson’s men have taken a look at him.

The 18-year-old has started the Ryman League Premier Division season in fine form with six goals so far - including a hat-trick against Margate on the opening day.

Internet message boards have been rife with rumours Payne had completed a £25,000 move to the Cottagers, since the youngster was substituted after 65 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Boreham Wood.

But the former Croydon FC youth team star, who switched to Gander Green Lane in the summer, says the only contact he has had with Hodgson’s men is via his agent and things are at an early stage.

“My agent has spoken with Fulham and said there is some interest in me, but that is all I have heard and I certainly haven’t spoken with them,” he said.

“It is flattering to have a team like that looking at me, but as far as I know nothing has happened.

“I think my goals in the league and performances since pre-season have put me up there. I haven’t signed anything with anyone. I’ll have to see how things go.”

Sutton boss Paul Doswell’s side paid the price for failing to convert their first-half dominance as Wood struck with ten minutes left on the clock to claim the points.

It was United’s fourth defeat in seven league games thus far and leaves them sitting in mid-table.

“It was a poor performance. We looked good in the first half, but things didn’t work out for us in the second and I can’t quite think why,” added Payne.

The Gander Green Lane chief handed experienced midfielder and former Dover Athletic captain Alan Pouton a debut at the weekend.

And Doswell reckons the ex-pro, who has more than 300 Football League appearances for York City, Grimsby Town and Gillingham, will face a baptism of fire as he raised concerns over the fitness of his current crop of players.

“We seem to have three or four running out of steam after about an hour who haven’t had a full pre-season under their belt, so that’s something I’ve got to look at,” he added.

“People now have got to start making their place their own, and at the moment in about three of four places that’s not the case.

“Several are struggling for form and fitness, and they’ve got to come to the party a bit more.

“What we will do over the next three or four weeks is get some good running under our belt and get the boys up to speed on that front.

“We’ve also got to work on our shape, because there’s parts of our game that are really good and parts where we’re not on it.”

Sutton’s next three fixtures: Sept 12 Margate (FAC,a), 19 Tonbridge Angels (a), 22 Dartford (h).