Watford step up moves to sign Nigerian wonderboy Daniel Daga under elite significant contribution laws

ENGLISH Championship side Watford have stepped up moves to sign Nigeria's Flying Eagles anchorman Daniel Daga having already got him to London with a view to sealing a deal with him and giving him a medical.

Daga, 16, is one of the most sought after defensive midfielders in Europe at the moment, following his heroics at the U20 World Cup earlier this year. Over the weekend, he was at Vicarage Road to watch the Championship opener against Queens Park Rangers and Watford are hoping they can complete the deal this week.

Several of Europe's big clubs have has been tracking Daga following this summer’s U20 World Cup, where he impressed in Nigeria’s victory over Argentina in the knockout stages. AC Milan for instance scouted him at the tournament and were discussing a move for the teenager who has been playing for One Rocket FC and Dakkada FC in Nigeria, although Paolo Maldini’s departure as sporting director opened the door for rivals.

Watford have been among the English clubs who are looking to take advantage of the new elite significant contribution (ESC) rules from the Football Association that allow clubs two wildcard squad places for players who do not meet current work-permit requirements. Daga would certainly be considered a player with potential to make it to the top given his pedigree.

Already, Daga has been invited to train with Nigeria’s senior squad and was only prevented from doing so through injury, although he is expected to be invited to camp later on in the season. After the start he has made to his career, he has drawn comparisons with John Obi Mikel, the former Chelsea midfielder.

While Watford missed out on promotion from the Championship last season, they could offer Daga first team football, which he will struggle to get elsewhere. Daga received a lot of praise for his performances at U20 World Cup in Argentina this summer where his performances in the 2-0 victory over Italy in particular  led to him being labelled a star in the making.