Exclusive: French Outlets Lyon and Strasbourg in the Race for Slavia Prague Star Igoh Ogbu

Slavia Prague's defender Igoh Ogbu could be poised for a transfer move this summer, with clubs in France taking close looks, all thanks to his impressive displays this season for the Czech champions. 

As per the information gathered from credible sources close to the player, a number of Europe's top flight clubs are exploring their chances of prizing the talented centre-back away from the Fortuna Arena. 

So what does the transfer window hold in store for the Super Eagles invitee? 

CAN IN-DEMAND OGBU BRING HIS TALENTS TO BEAR IN THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE? 

No doubt, Ogbu is a man in demand. So it is no surprise talks regarding his move to an elite European side will gather pace in the coming months. 

While Slavia will be playing in the Champions League next season after emerging winners of the Chance Liga, Ogbu is thrilled with the prospect of bringing his abilities to bear on the competition, but will not rule out doing so for another side. 

Valued at around €10 million, Ligue 1 sides Strasbourg and Lyon who are in the market in search of some defensive reinforcements are among his long list of admirers while an unnamed club in Saudi Arabia has also inquired about the player. 

"He's one player on our books who is often asked about, and we can understand that," a source close to the Aneke Players Management Group told SportsBoom.com. 

"Just like a number of other top players in Europe, he's enjoying his football at the moment so makes sense that big sides will look at him and ask. He's coming off the back of one of his best seasons as a professional after all."

"But he wants to play in the Champions League. He's obsessed with that, and he's getting that here. I can't say anymore what happens."

Lille and Lens have recently been rumored to be interested in the services of the player but it now seems they are not the only interested parties from Ligue 1. 

But Ogbu understandably wants a side who can offer him Champions League football next term, a factor which could prove decisive in his eventual choice. 

That said, Slavia are not entirely resolved to losing one of their most prized asset this summer, and will want to keep him. 

HIS STYLE

Strong, athletic and capable of playing in any defensive setup across the backline, the 25-year-old has seen his stock rise in recent years, having established himself as one of the best defenders in the Czech top flight. 

While he's not shied away from carrying the ball out from the box into the midfield, his ability to pick out teammates with pinged passes from the rear is one attribute every top side would love from a defender and throw in his love for robust, last-gasp tackles and you have a completely dependable player for the side. 

"Yeah, his type of play is what suits many big European team", the spokesperson said. 

"You could think him rash maybe due to the way he challenges for the ball, but that can be deceiving. He's got a decent football brain, so knows just the best thing to do whether he's tackling or on the ball."

ELITE EUROPEAN SIDES TAKE NOTICE

While the summer transfer window is just around the corner, the football season in the Czech top flight has not ended and maybe there is still time for some European teams who would be playing in the Champions League next season to properly run the rule on the player. 

After posting a MOTM performance in the Prague Derby last weekend, Ogbu is only poised for more. 

"We do not want him overworking himself, or trying to prove things. That's why his game time is been properly managed."

"He's a very important player for his club, and that is what matters to him and Slavia at the moment."