Forest and West Ham involved in two horse race to sign Nigerian leftback Zaidu Sanusi

SUPER Eagles leftback Zaudu Sanusi has become the subject of a two-way tussle for this services with English Premier league sides West Ham United and Nottingham Forest involved in a race against time to sign him before the end of the month.

On August 31, the summer transfer deadline will close, so both sides are desperately hoping to conclude a deal with Sanusi's current club Porto, by then. Sanusi, 26, still has four years remaining on his contract with Portuguese giants Porto but the Hammers and Forest are actively pursuing a potential deal with the talented defender.

Sanusi’s journey with Porto began in 2020 when he made a €4m switch from fellow Portuguese side Santa Clara. His contributions have played a pivotal role in Porto’s recent successes, including clinching the Portuguese league title last year, as well as triumphs in the Taça de Portugal on two occasions and this year’s Taça da Liga.

Boasting an impressive tally of 114 appearances in various competitions for Porto, Sanusi has showcased not only his defensive prowess but also his ability to contribute offensively, netting six goals and providing one assist. As a result, despite the considerable duration remaining on his contract, Porto is not categorically ruling out the possibility of Sanusi’s departure.

Porto is already keeping tabs on another promising Nigerian defender, Bruno Onyemaechi of Boavista, seeing him as a potential replacement. If Sanusi were to secure a move away, Porto is expected to go for Onyemaechi to fill his spot.