Nottingham Forest, Sunderland, and Brentford are among a list of Premier League clubs tracking Ivory Coast sensation Christ Inao Oulai, the 20-year-old midfielder who has been a breakout star at the World Cup.
World Cup Breakout and Transfer Value
Oulai helped Les Elephants finish second in Group E and is valued at up to £34.5 million (€40 million) by Turkish side Trabzonspor, who are eyeing a bumper payday. He cost them just under £5 million from French second division club Bastia last summer, with Bastia holding a 20% sell-on clause.
According to sources, Oulai is represented by BLACKSKILL, but top agencies like CAA Stellar and Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports are keen to add him to their stable and assist with the process.
Forest's Interest and Anderson Cash
Forest have taken a particular liking to Oulai as Elliot Anderson prepares to join Manchester City in a deal worth £116 million. While Oulai is not seen as a direct replacement, he is one of several midfield targets that could bolster Vitor Pereira's setup, alongside Tottenham's Lucas Bergvall.
Brentford and Other Suitors
Brentford are focusing on signing a new defensive midfielder and winger after missing out on FC Koln's Said El Mala. Oulai fits the bill for the Bees, but Trabzonspor sources do not expect the auction to escalate while the player is at the World Cup.
PSG and RB Leipzig are also weighing up moves, while Chelsea sources have not confirmed interest despite reports. Fulham have also been linked, having shown interest in Trabzonspor's young Nigerian defender Chibuike Nwaiwu.
Player's Social Media Hint
Oulai has deleted all but one of his Trabzonspor-based Instagram posts, hinting his future may lie elsewhere. He recently said: "My goal is to help the team as much as I can and introduce myself to the whole world."
No Bids Yet
At this stage, Trabzonspor have not received any bids for Oulai, though that is expected to change soon as the race for his signature intensifies.
