Three Premier League clubs eye Nigeria-eligible Patrick Dorgu ahead of January window

MANCHESTER United and Chelsea have joined Tottenham Hotspurs in the pursuit of Nigeria-eligible leftback Patrick Dorgu with a view to signing him during the forthcoming January transfer window.

Dorgu, 20, who currently plays for Serie A side Lecce, is a Denmark international of Nigerian descent. Copenhagen native, Dorgu who is predominantly a left-back but can also play as a left wingback, right winger, right-back or right wingback, has made three appearances for his country of birth, Denmark but remains eligible to play for Nigeria as he is still an U21 player.

Football Insider's transfer correspondent Pete O'Rourke has revealed that Dorgu's performances have not gone unnoticed by top European clubs, with Manchester United and Chelsea joining Tottenham in the race for his signature. Dorgu emerged as a key target for the English Premier League clubs ahead of the reopening of the transfer window mainly because of his ability to play in multiple positions.

Manchester United have been linked with Dorgu due to Luke Shaw's injury problems, while Tottenham are keen to add more depth to their defensive department. Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Dorgu and considered making a move for  him during the summer transfer window but a deal did not materialise.

Dorgu had a dream debut for Denmark as he needed only 47 seconds to open his goalscoring account after coming off the bench in a Uefa Nations League fixture against Switzerland in September. In 10 appearances in the Italian top flight so far this season, he has scored two goals.

Dorgu joined Lecce from Nordsjælland youth academy in 2022 and has a contract with the Giallorossi until the end of the 2028/29 season. He made his debut on August 13 2023 in a Coppa Italia game against Como and a week later, he made his Serie A first start against Lazio, scoring his first goal on February 2 2023 in a game won against Fiorentina.