EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle, West Ham among clubs offered free-agent striker

TEAMtalk can reveal that striker Ahmed Musa is hoping to secure a move back to English football in the coming weeks.

The Nigeria international is one of the more higher profile free agents currently available having left his former club Al Nassr last month.

Musa is understood to have interest from around Europe, but it is believed to be keen on having another crack at the Premier League.

Having only just turned 28, Musa believes he still has a lot to offer at the top level and that is evident given he cost Leicester £16m just a few years ago.

His time at the King Power Stadium did not going according to plan and after 18 months he was loaned back to his former club CSKA Moscow before moving to Saudi.

In his 58 appearances for Nassr, he scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists, helping the team win the 2018/19 Saudi league and Super Cup.

Now Musa’s representatives are talking with a host of clubs, including some in the Premier League.

We understand Crystal Palace, Newcastle, West Ham, Burnley and Sheffield United are amongst those who have been approached – but it remains to be seen if they will make an offer.

Musa also has interest from clubs in Spain, Italy and in Russia, where he has enjoyed success with CSKA earlier in his career.

Forced out

One club he will not be returning to his Leicester.

The forward was signed by Claudio Ranieri and after two goals against Barcelona in pre-season the Foxes looked to have signed a diamond.

“This is why we paid the money for him,” Ranieri told reporters after the game.

But he never made his mark at the club and Musa claimed that Leicester had “forced him out” when he departed.

In an explosive interview with OwnGoalNigeria he said: “I wanted to stay in England because that has been my dream for years but what will you do when you’re told a bid has been accepted for you?

“I had to move to where I know I will be celebrated.”