Brentford join the growing list of clubs looking to sign Christantus Uche this summer

ENGLISH Premier League side Brentford has joined the list of European clubs looking to sign Nigerian striker Christantus Uche from Spanish side Getafe during the forthcoming summer transfer window.

Christantus, 22, who is in the Super Eagles camp for the forthcoming Unity Cup at Brentford's stadium, has attracted a lot of interest since joining Getafe last summer. He joined Getafe from Ceuta, who play in the third tier of Spanish football and he has quickly adapted to life in La Liga and so far English Premiership sides Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Chelsea have all enquired about him.

Now, Brentford have joined the ranks of those seeking Uche's services as have Getafe's Spanish rivals Atletico Madrid. In the just-conclude La Liga season, Uche scored four goals, including a vital one that saved Getafe from relegation two weeks ago and provided six assists in 33 games for Geta Azulones.

Atletico desperately need to refresh their midfield, as most of their midfielders are above 30 Also, veterans Koke and Axel Witsel's are set to leave the club, as their contracts are due to expire at the end of June.

Brentford on the other hand need to add some quality to their team to aid another survival fight in the Premier League or even an unprecedented place in Europe next season. Midfielder Uche is valued at €8m according to Transfermarkt but Africa Foot reports that Getafe will not accept anything less than €20m.

Getafe can afford to hold out as Uche's release clause is set at €25m and he still has three years left on his contract. Over the next three years, Uche will be expected to reach the top of his game, so staying at Getafe might not be the best decision for him if he wants to reach the top of his game.

Uche's handlers may be looking at him making a big move to a club where he will play with better players and improve under a better manager. Atletico for instance would be a good option because Uche's rugged, street-smart type of football would endear him to coach Diego Simeone.