Nottingham Forest surprise frontrunners to sign towering 6ft 5in African wonderkid, 18, dubbed ‘next Erling Haaland’

NOTTINGHAM FOREST are tracking Nigerian wonderkid Abdoulaye Agbejoye, the towering teenage striker already being dubbed the “next Erling Haaland”. Forest scouts have been closely monitoring the progress of the highly-rated 18-year-old, who has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in African football after an outstanding season in Nigeria. Abdoulaye Agbejoye is the latest most exciting young striker in West Africa and has been tipped for a bright future Credit: Grassrunners Forest are hoping they can sign him and give him the pathway to develop into a top Prem striker Credit: AFP Agbejoye currently plays for Grassrunners FC in Ogun State but has attracted growing attention from across Europe, with Premier League scouts regularly attending his matches over the past year as his reputation continues to soar. Standing at a towering 6ft 5in, the powerful forward has drawn comparisons to Manchester City‘s prolific goal machine Erling Haaland because of his imposing physique, explosive pace and eye for goal. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! Those who have watched him closely believe he possesses all the attributes to become one of Africa’s next big exports. The teenager has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign after finishing as both the top scorer and Player of the Tournament in the Nigerian Youth League Cup, performances that have only strengthened interest from clubs across the continent and Europe. Forest are understood to be among the clubs most impressed by Agbejoye’s development and have stepped up their scouting in recent months as they weigh up a move for the exciting prospect. German champions Bayer Leverkusen have also registered their interest in the striker and are believed to have been tracking his progress. However, Forest are currently regarded as leading the race as they look to steal a march on their European rivals. The Premier League side believe Agbejoye has the potential to develop into a top-level striker and view him as an investment for the future rather than an immediate first-team option. Forest have also been able to lean on the influence of their Nigerian contingent, with Super Eagles stars Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina understood to have spoken positively about the club and its environment as they look to persuade the youngster that the City Ground is the right destination for his development. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Forest have been using Aina and Taiwo to try and convince Agbejoye to sign for them Credit: Alamy The Midlands outfit have built a reputation for identifying emerging talent from around the world, and Agbejoye is seen as another player capable of flourishing under the right pathway before eventually making the step into Premier League football. Should Forest complete a deal, the current plan would be to loan the teenager to a club elsewhere in Europe. The move would allow him to gain valuable first-team experience, adapt to European football and continue his development before returning to challenge for a place in Forest’s senior squad. With interest continuing to grow and several clubs monitoring his situation, Agbejoye appears destined for a move away from Nigeria. Forest will hope they can win the race for the teenage sensation before his stock rises even further and secure one of the most exciting young strikers in African football. Comment now