Hammers favourites to sign Nigerian starlet – report
West Ham are now in pole position to sign Agor Chukwudi after Sporting Lisbon pulled out of the race to sign the player, according to reports.
The Nigerian Under-20 international was recently linked with a move to east London last month after the youngster’s agent confirmed a club from the Premier League had made an offer.
Speaking to All Nigeria Soccer, Chukwudi’s agent, Emeka Amajiriaku said: “West Ham have offered Agor Chukwudi a straight contract without him having to undergo trials, very soon he’ll turn 18″.
“We are studying the offer and it is very likely we will accept it. We are interested in the player’s development and not the money that is being offered.” added Amajiriaku.
But recently, Sporting Lisbon were reported to have entered the race to sign the 18-year-old. Own Goal Nigeria claimed that Sporting were front runners ahead of the Hammers for the young midfielder’s services.
The report added that the Portuguese outfit were given a tip about Chukwudi by somebody close to the current Nigeria Under-20 boss Emmanuel Amunike, who once plied his trade at the club.
However new claims from Portuguese publication Record claim that Sporting will not attempt to sign the ASJ Academy player.
According to the report, Sporting are looking to strengthen their youth academy and reserve team but Chukwudi is said to be ‘not part of the plans’ for Jorge Jesus’ side.
Now with Sporting out of the running the Hammers are once again in the lead to sign the Nigerian youth.