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Leeds and West Ham target Solomon-Otabor once compared to Demarai Gray

Demarai Gray of Leicester in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on December 9, 20...
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Leeds United and West Ham United are both reportedly keen on the winger.

Viv Solomon-Otabor in action for Birmingham City during the Pre-Season Friendly between Hibernian and Birmingham City at Easter Road on July 24, 2016 in Edinburgh, Scotland.

According to a recent report from All Nigeria Soccer, Leeds and West Ham are both keen to sign Viv Solomon-Otabor at the end of the season after his bright loan spell in League One.

The 22-year-old has struggled to make the grade at Birmingham City and is currently enjoying his third loan spell – having previously been sent out to Oxford City and Bolton Wanderers – with Blackpool. But he has certainly made an impression, having scored five goals and provided five assists in the third tier.

Paul Heckingbottom, Manager of Leeds United looks on prior to the Sky Bet Championship match between Fulham and Leeds United at Craven Cottage on April 3, 2018 in London, England.

While he may have struggled to make an impact at St Andrew’s, All Nigeria Soccer reports that a cluster of sides from the top two divisions, including Leeds and West Ham, are now eyeing a move.

Given that his Birmingham career has never quite taken off, fans of the Whites and Hammers would be forgiven for being worried about the potential links – especially as their respective recruitment departments have hardly covered themselves in glory during the last few windows – but perhaps some of his former manager’s comments on his potential should encourage those concerned about the two clubs’ interest.

Demarai Gray of Leicester in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on December 9, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.

In comments reported by BBC Sport, Gary Rowett suggested in November 2015 that Solomon-Otabor had the potential to be the next Demarai Gray, and even claimed that, at the time, the former was stronger and quicker than the man who is now a Premier League title winner with Leicester City having swapped Birmingham for the Foxes in 2016.

“If he can piece it all together, he’s going to be another Demarai Gray,” he said, as reported by BBC Sport.

“He’s probably stronger than Demarai. He’s quicker than Demarai. He doesn’t take on players like Demarai, but he’s got two really good feet.

“He can smash a ball with both his left and his right, and he’s a really humble lad, who works incredibly hard.”

Of course, Solomon-Otabor’s career has not kicked on like Gray’s has and that should undoubtedly leave both Leeds and West Ham wary of a summer move. But perhaps, the Whites and Irons should take some hope that he could be a hugely talented winger in the future if he is used correctly.

Rowett’s previous comments certainly suggest that a player of the highest calibre could be in there.