Derby County hope to sign Nigerian teenager striker Justin Oguntolu from Spurs this summer

ENGLISH League One side Derby County are interested in signing Tottenham Hotspur's teenage striker of Nigerian descent Justin Oguntolu ahead of next season as part of a plan to develop their academy structure.

Oguntolu's qualities are not in doubt but Tottenham Hotspur have opted against offering him scholarship terms for the 2023/24 season and as such the youngster is looking to move on. Spurs passed up the opportunity to offer him a contract because the youth team coaches feel that he is less physical compared with Ellis Lehane, who has been offered a scholarship.

Derby County's  recruitment team has opened talks with Oguntolu's agents about signing the striker on a scholarship deal after impressive performances during a trial period. Oguntolu, 17, came off the bench to score and bag an assist for Derby County in a 6-2 victory over Leeds United in an U18 Premier League game on Wednesday.

Born to Nigerian parents, Oguntolu, who was at Arsenal before joining Tottenham Hotspur, has been likened to Middlesbrough scoring sensation Chuba Akpom due to his ability to play a hybrid role of a number nine and number 10. He is eligible to play international football for Nigeria, England and the US and already, the United States Soccer Federation have held series of meetings with his agents.

Oguntolu's contract with Spurs expired at the end of the season and Derby County are  hoping this will secure his signature by then. Derby County boast one of the English Football League’s strongest academies and amid their financial struggles over recent years, a whole host of youth talents have subsequently been thrust into first-team action.