West Brom and Sheffield United are already planning a summer raid of Championship rivals Rotherham with Chiedozie Ogbene impressing in England’s second-tier.
Named Man of the Match following the Republic of Ireland’s 1-0 Euro 2024 qualifier defeat to Les Bleus earlier this week, while Kylian Mbappe barely had a kick at the Aviva Stadium, Ogbene’s speed and intensity was a constant thorn in French sides.
For club and for country, the Nigeria-born forward continues to go from strength to strength. His eight goals and three assists are a major reason why Rotherham, even after losing iconic head coach Paul Warne, continue to keep their heads above water in a gruelling relegation battle.
So no wonder Warne’s successor is desperate to keep him at the New York Stadium.
“In terms of his future, hopefully that’s with ourselves,” Matt Taylor tells the Irish Examiner. “And we’ll do everything we possibly can.”
Sheffield United and West Brom like Rotherham’s Chiedozie Ogbene
With his contract expiring at the end of this season, and with talks over a new deal stalling, Taylor appears to be fighting a losing battle. The Irish Examiner believe that West Bromwich Albion, Sheffield United and Standard Liege are among Ogbene’s summer suitors.
The former Brentford youngster, meanwhile, is not exactly pouring water on the speculation pyre. Petrol instead his preferred weapon of choice.
“I’ve always said I want to go to the next level,” Ogbene explains (Yorkshire Live).
“Sometimes you don’t play well, and you start doubting yourself. But when I can put performances in like this (vs France), it gives me the belief. Maybe I can be effective at the next level.
“And that’s my dream. So it keeps my dream alive.”
Ogbene, who can play anywhere across the frontline, would be a welcome addition to a stuttering West Brom side. The Baggie have not scored more than a single goal in any of their last four games under Carlos Corberan.
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