Chelsea youngster Ola Aina could return to the Championship soon, with West Bromwich Albion and Frank Lampard’s Derby County reportedly interested.
Ola Aina was one of the bright sparks in a difficult 2017/18 campaign at Hull City.
The full-back arrived in Humberside last summer from Premier League giants Chelsea and impressed for Nigel Adkins’ side, making 42 Championship appearances as the Tigers whimpered to a disappointing 18th-place finish.
And it seems that Aina’s displays have not gone unnoticed.
The Express and Star is reporting that both West Brom and Derby County are interested in loaning the 21-year-old, who is highly-rated at Stamford Bridge but not yet ready to compete with Cesar Azpilicueta for a place in the starting XI.
It is no secret that West Brom want a right-back to provide competition for Allan Nyom. They agreed a £400,000 fee with Yeovil Town for Tom James, but the deal fell through on Wednesday when the 22-year-old Welshman failed to agree personal terms.
Derby, meanwhile, lined up with Andre Wisdom on the right-hand side for most of last season but the former Liverpool man is a centre-back by trade. Aina, who has five caps for Nigeria already, would be a more attacking option. He set up three goals in the Championship last season.
Obviously, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea connections appear to give Derby a trump card. The Rams have already landed the exciting Mason Mount on loan for the season.
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