Visa delay holds up Ahmed Musa's transfer to West Brom as he remains stuck in Nigeria

WEST Bromwich Albion (WBA) manager Sam Allardyce's plans to sign Super Eagles skipper Ahmed Musa during the current January transfer window have faced a setback after the player remains stuck in Nigeria over a visa matter.

Over the last week, Mr Allardyce has indicated that he wants Musa to strengthen his attack as part of his plans to avoid relegation this season. It was expected that by now, Musa would have undergone a medical at the Hawthornes and be expecting his clearance from the British Home Office but this has not been possible as the player has been unavailable.

Musa, 28, had been in Nigeria during the coronavirus lockdown but is hopeful that a travel document will be issued to him before the end of this week. Mr Allardyce has confirmed that Musa is a player of interest to him and has promised to alert everybody when he arrives.

In October last year, Musa, left Saudi Pro League side, Al Nassr and is currently a free agent, who is attracting attention from several English Premier League clubs. In 2018, Musa signed a four year deal with Al Nassr said to be worth in the region of £14.8m with the possibility of it rising to £25m with appearances.

While in Saudi Arabia, Musa scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 57 matches, helping Al Nassr, whom he joined from Leicester City in summer 2018, to the Saudi Pro League and Super Cup titles. However, he failed to establish himself with the Foxes scoring just five goals in 33 matches, forcing Leicester to sell him.

Burnley, West Ham and Russian side CSKA Moscow are also said to be interested in the winger and are in discussions with his agent about signing him. Musa last played for Nigeria in November, captaining the Super Eagles in an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.