Southampton and Brighton join Crystal Palace in race to sign Chelsea's Nigerian defender 

Crystal Palace will have to see off interest from two clubs that competed in the Premier League last season to land the services of German-born Nigerian defender Derrick Abu, allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report. 

Although Chelsea have yet to publish their retained and released list, it is confirmed that Abu will be moving on to pastures new in the summer. 

Apart from Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hove and Southampton are also keen on signing the talented defender who has caps for England at U17 level. 

Crystal Palace were earlier in pole position for the signature of Abu after he impressed the academy coaches during trials, but the right-back has been told that he would play in a different position in defence should he move to Selhurst Park.

And as a result, it is believed that he is weighing up options from the Saints as well as the Seagulls.

Abu shone as Crystal Palace qualified for the final of the Premier League International Cup last month, scoring the decisive spot kick in a shootout win against Spanish opponents Valencia. 

The attacking fullback joined Chelsea at U11 level and signed his first professional contract in 2021.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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