Derby County in talks to sign Spurs' Nigerian striker for youth team; US Soccer in contact with camp 

Allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report that EFL League One club Derby County are interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur striker of Nigerian descent Justin Oguntolu for their academy team ahead of next season. 

Oguntolu's qualities are not in doubt but Tottenham Hotspur have opted against offering him scholarship terms for the 2023-2024 season. 

The north London club passed up the opportunity to offer him a contract because the youth team coaches feel that he is less physical compared to Ellis Lehane, who has been offered a scholarship. 

The Rams recruitment team has opened talks with Oguntolu's camp about signing the striker on a scholarship deal after his impressive performances during his trial period. 

He came off the bench to score and bag an assist for Derby County in a 6-2 rout of Leeds United on Wednesday in an U18 Premier League game. 

Oguntolu, who was at Arsenal before joining Tottenham Hotspur, has been likened to Middlesbrough scoring sensation Chuba Akpom due to his ability to play a hybrid role of a number 9 and number 10.

He is eligible to play international football for three countries namely Nigeria, England and United States. 

The United States Soccer Federation have held series of meetings with Oguntolu's camp regarding the player's international future and those talks were positive. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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