Stoke City facing Burnley and Leicester transfer threat for African midfielder | OneFootball

Stoke City, Burnley, and Leicester City are all interested in a move for Real Zaragoza defensive-midfielder Yussif Saidu this summer

Stoke City have made an enquiry for Real Zaragoza defensive-midfielder Yussif Saidu ahead of a potential move this summer, whilst both Burnley and Leicester City remain interested in the Ghanaian.

According to El Periódico de Aragón’s Thursday print edition, via Sportwitness, Stoke have enquired about the services of 21-year-old Saidu, whilst English rivals Burnley and Leicester also hold an interest in the defensive-minded midfielder.

Saidu enjoyed an excellent personal campaign in the Spanish second tier last season, despite Zaragoza's relegation to the third tier, and as a result, has attracted the interest from teams in the Championship and League One ahead of a potential switch to England before the summer deadline.

Stoke City competition from Burnley and Leicester City over Real Zaragoza's Yussif Saidu

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Saidu, 21, has played just one season of professional football in his career to date, having emerged as a regular in Zaragoza's side last season.

The former La Liga regulars would finish rock bottom of the Segunda División, falling into the third tier after over a decade in the second tier, but Saidu would impress nevertheless.

The Ghanaian will hope to join a long line of African talent to have emerged from nowhere in the Spanish divisions, following in the footsteps of the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Yan Diomande, and Juma Bah.

Turkish outfit Amed SFK have also been in contact with Zaragoza in the past week over a potential move for Saidu, whilst Stoke remain the only club to have enquired about a deal at this stage, as each of Burnley, Leicester, and an unnamed German club monitor the situation.

El Periódico de Aragón’s report that the Spanish outfit began the summer demanding in excess of €5 million (£4.2 million), though that fee has likely come down as the countdown to the deadline approaches, as each of Stoke, Burnley, and Leicester keep an eye on Saidu.

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Saidu, despite only have one professional season under his belt, has already attracted suitors across Europe despite Zaragoza's poor performance in the league.

The Ghanaian is capable of operating in numerous positions, having been deployed as a centre-back, defensive-midfielder, and central midfielder across various stages of last campaign, with his versatility being one of his most outstanding features.

Stoke have each of Ben Wilmot, Bosun Lawal, Maksym Talovierov, Luke Graham, and Ben Gibson to pick from at centre-back, so following the exit of Tatsuki Seko, it's likely the Potters view him as more of a midfield option.

Burnley are closing in on a deal for former Sheffield United centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic from Feyenoord, adding to the likes of Joe Worrall, Bashir Humphreys, Kyle Walker, and Max Alleyne in defence, so like Stoke, it's more likely the Clarets view Saidu as a midfield option.

Leicester faces an uphill battle trying to convince Saidu to swap the third tier of Spain for the third tier of England, especially for the mooted €5 million (£4.2 million) fee, but should they collect a hefty fee for Harry Souttar, a move for the Ghanaian ought not to be out of the question for the Foxes.

Stoke City, Burnley, and Leicester City expect a busy end to the summer window

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With less than two weeks to go until the end of the window, the clock is ticking for teams to get some much-needed business done and dusted, and that is no different in the case of Stoke, Burnley, or Leicester.

Each club did not get off to the start of the season they'd hoped to, as fortunately for them, there remains time to fix areas of weakness.

Saidu would be an interesting option for each club, and could be a diamond in the rough, though whether any of them are willing to meet Zaragoza's demands over the coming week or so, remains to be seen.