English Championship side Reading sell Nigeria-eligible defender Nelson Abbey to Olympiakos

ENGLISH Championship side Reading had sold Nigeria-eligible defender Nelson Abbey to Greek side Olympiakos for an undisclosed sum after he turned down a move to several other local rivals including Luton Town.

Abbey, 20, turned down a move to Premier League side Luton Town in favour of joining one of Europe's traditional giants Olympiakos. Abbey made his professional debut for Reading at the age of 17 and has departed the Royals after playing in 31 matches across all competitions over the last three seasons.

An English-born central defender who has been capped by England at U17 level and has played three games for England Men's Elite League squad since the start of this season, Abbey is eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents. He was a key member of the Reading side in the first half of the season, captaining the team on several occasions despite his young age.

After 19 matches in the Greek Super League so far this season, Olympiakos sit fourth in the table with 38 points. They have six points less than their bitter rivals Paok and are hoping that the signing of Abbey will help shore up their defence and enable them close the gap as they challenge for the title.