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Sports News of Saturday, 14 January 2023

Source: soccernet.ng

Chelsea table first offer for West Ham-linked Super Eagles-eligible forward - Reports

Noni Madueke Noni Madueke

There is a long queue of English clubs looking to bring the talented winger back to the Premier League this January but the Blues have edged ahead of other suitors

Chelsea have emerged as the favourites in the race for PSV’s exciting winger Noni Madueke, with the Blues seemingly leaving no stone unturned in revamping their attack.

According to a report by the Dutch publication, Ed, Chelsea have firmed up their interest in Madueke by tabling their first official offer for the youngster.

The Blues are believed to have presented an offer of €30 million (N14.7 billion) for the 20-year-old attacker. This comes only a few days after the London giants completed the loan signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea are not the only club targeting Madueke in the winter transfer window with several other Premier League clubs also credited with interest including Newcastle and Crystal Palace.

West Ham United may have joined the queue, though, as the Hammers are said to have ‘voiced an interest’ in Madueke, according to 90min.

PSV’s stance has never been a secret with the Eredivisie giants making it clear they do not want to sell a winger that racked up 20 goals and 14 assists in 79 games since he moved to Eindhoven in 2018.

It is thought that the Dutch club would listen to offers at around the €40m mark.

However, PSV could be tempted to jump at Chelsea’s multimillion-euro offer for a player they signed for next to nothing from the Tottenham academy.

Madueke’s international future

Born in Barnet, England, to parents of Nigerian heritage, Madueke is eligible to play for both countries.

England are at the forefront of securing his allegiance having integrated the youngster into the youth system. Madueke has represented England at U16, U17, U18, and U21 levels and was a member of the Young Lions squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2021.

The PSV number ten however remains eligible to play for Nigeria as he is yet to play for the Three Lions.

Nigeria have a history of convincing players of dual nationalities to feature for the Super Eagles. Alex Iwobi, Victor Moses, Ola Aina, Josh Maja, Joe Aribo, and several others all snubbed the Three Lions to play for the three-time African champions.