According to a report in Foot Mercato, Hull City and Stoke City are rivalling some of France’s top clubs for young central defender Sidney Obissa, who has been impressing in the third tier.
The Bourg-en-Bresse Peronnas centre-back has caught the eye this past season, coming through the youth ranks as captain and training with the senior first-team ahead of his debut.
The French report claims Champions League clubs Lille, Marseille and Club Brugges are all keen on the player while Stoke and Hull have also been credited with an interest.
While Peronnas are keen to keep him at the club, a sizeable offer could see Obissa leave this summer with the French minnows not expecting to be able to hold on to his services for long.
Stoke are set for a busy summer under manager Nathan Jones as they look to shape their squad ahead of a potential promotion push from the Championship next term.
The Potters recently released defenders Moussa Niakate and Sam Thandi from their U23 development squad therefore there is room to bring in one or two more.
Both Championship clubs could steal a march on their rivals by signing cheap players from abroad, and Gabon youth Obissa may turn out to be a top international player some years down the line.
Peronnas coach Romain Paturel said: “Sidney is a player I discovered this season. He is one of those impressive athletic defenders thanks to his size (6ft 3in), but he is also remarkable with the ball.
“He is very hardworking and responds positively to a heavy training load, which should allow him to continue to progress. As a young man, he is a respectful and pleasant boy to train who must be more demanding with himself.”
Obissa moved to France at the age of eight and Foot Mercato reports: “He is a young man who has had an atypical course (into football), but undeniable talent
