Premier League promotion hopefuls Derby County have joined the race to sign Nigerian winger David Okereke, whose playing style has been compared to Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

According to Genoa based newspaper, Il Secolo XIX, Derby County will make an offer to sign the Nigeria U23 international if they secure promotion to the English top flight.

Okereke has gained a lot of foreign admirers on the back of an impressive season for Spezia, having contributed to 22 goals (10 goals, 12 assists) in 31 appearances in the Italian Serie B, including the playoff.

Newcastle United, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old and the latest Premier League clubs interested in signing him are West Ham and Southampton.

In Italy, Sassuolo, Cagliari and Atalanta have all been mentioned as possible destinations for Okereke if he departs Spezia in the summer, while Genk, Standard Liege and Dinamo Zagreb are reportedly keen on his services.

Italian agent Patrick Bastianelli, who handles the affairs of Okereke, has confirmed to allnigeriasoccer.com that many clubs in Europe are keeping tabs on his client.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel