Fulham join other Championship clubs in the chase for Nigeria-eligible forward

The Cottagers already have one player of Nigerian descent in their squad, and could now increase the number to two

Nigeria-eligible youngster Obafemi Micheal has been linked with a move to Championship side Fulham. The Southampton Academy product has fallen down the pecking order with the signing of Adam Armstrong from Blackburn.

This summer, he has been linked with a move to Blackburn and Bournemouth, but reports from football league world now suggest that Fulham have entered the race to secure the signature of the 21-year-old.

It was reported that Obafemi would be part of Southampton's money plus player offer in the chase for Armstrong, but the deal didn't suffice because of the Saints' €6m valuation of the player.

The Nigeria-eligible forward is surplus to the Saints' requirements after coach Ralph Hasenhuttl stated his uncertainty about the player's future.

The 5'7 player's contract expires at the end of the season, and Southampton are looking to cash in on him before the end of the transfer window.

However, it remains to be seen if any club will meet Southampton' €6m valuation of the player. Obafemi was born in Dublin to Nigerian parents. He has featured for the Irish youth teams and also the senior team.

But according to FIFA rules, he can still switch allegiances to Nigeria because he has played only one game for The Boys in Green.