Prem trio in for Dele

Big interest in Nigerian teenager

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 14th August 2008

dele adeleye sparta rotterdam

Adeleye: In demand

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Manchester City, West Ham and Fulham have all made moves for Nigerian teenager Dele Adeleye, skysports.com understands.

The 19-year-old currently plays for Sparta Rotterdam in Holland but he now looks as if he could be set for a move to England.

Adeleye, an imposing central defender, has caught the eye playing for Sparta since joining them last summer.

Sparta first spotted Adeleye in action for Nigeria at the World Under-20 championships, which took place in Holland.

They secured a deal with Shooting Stars FC to sign him last year - but it now appears he could be ready for a quick move after just one season with Rotterdam.

A host of English scouts have been making regular checks on him and both Everton and Blackburn were strongly linked earlier this year.

Now, after excelling at the Olympics for his country, Adeleye has attracted bids from City, West Ham and Fulham, although Sparta are bracing themselves for further interest.

At least two more English clubs are thought to be ready to make a move, while interest from elsewhere in Holland, Germany and France is also strong.

Adeleye has played every minute of Nigeria's impressive Olympic campaign to date and he will line up in the quarter-finals against Ivory Coast later this week.