Nottingham Forest lead race for 6ft 5in striker Abdoulaye Agbejoye as European move nears

Nottingham Forest are reportedly leading the race to sign highly-rated Nigerian striker Abdoulaye Agbejoye, with the 18-year-old’s move to European football now described as “imminent”.

Forest are searching for attacking reinforcements late in the transfer window, with Brentford striker Igor Thiago already the subject of a reported £70million bid.

But Oliver Glasner’s side are also looking towards the future, and 6ft 5in Grassrunners FC prospect Agbejoye has now emerged as a serious target.

According to Footy-Africa, Nottingham Forest have already held talks regarding a potential deal for Agbejoye.

It remains unclear whether those discussions have been directly with the player's representatives, Grassrunners FC or both, but Forest are currently described as leading the race.

There is significant competition.

Bayer Leverkusen are also interested, while clubs from France and Sweden have reportedly made contact over a potential move.

It is easy to understand why Agbejoye is attracting attention.

The towering striker has produced 19 goals and one assist from 20 matches, with his performances at the Nigerian Youth Cup helping put him on the radar of European scouts.

His combination of size and goalscoring has even led to comparisons with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.

Forest, however, reportedly view Agbejoye primarily as a long-term investment rather than simply an immediate first-team solution.

A source close to Grassrunners FC has now suggested Agbejoye could be on the move very soon.

The source described the teenager as a potential successor to legendary Nigerian striker Rashidi Yekini and confirmed that he is being closely monitored following his national-team call-up.

While refusing to identify the interested clubs, the source indicated that a move abroad is “very soon” and suggested developments could accelerate.

That fits with Footy-Africa's claim that Agbejoye's move to Europe is now considered “imminent”.

Forest will now need to turn their position at the front of the race into an agreement before one of Agbejoye’s other European suitors moves decisively.

The teenager appears to be viewed as one for the future, meaning Forest's pursuit of an established striker such as Igor Thiago could continue separately.

With Agbejoye attracting growing attention and those around him expecting a European transfer soon, the coming days could determine whether the City Ground becomes his next destination.

Should Nottingham Forest move quickly for Agbejoye before his growing reputation attracts even bigger competition?