Transfer: EFL League One side reject Millwall offer for Nigeria-eligible English striker

EFL League One side, Reading, have rejected Millwall’s offer for Nigeria-eligible striker, Oluwafemi Javier Azeez Beloso, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 2001-born forward is capable of playing as a striker and as a winger and as a lone striker up-front, scoring nine goals and providing nine assists in 46 league games.

His performances sparked interest from several clubs, with Millwall leading the race for the England-born forward. As per The Reading Chronicle, Reading have rejected an approach from Millwall for the 23-year-old striker. The Royals are prepared to do whatever it takes to keep Azeez at the club for yet another season.

Azeez, who rose through the Academy at Reading, although he had a loan spell with the Bracknell U-21 team in 2020. His contract was scheduled to end in the just-concluded season, but the club opted to activate the optional extension clause for another year in a bid to ward off suitors, extending his stay at the club till the summer of 2025.

Reading are doing their best to keep their players at the club as they’re unable to enter the transfer market until progress is made with the ownership saga, meaning the club would be unable to replace Azeez if he were to depart.

Oluwafemi Azeez was born in England to a Nigerian father and Spanish mother, meaning he is eligible to represent England, Spain or Nigeria, but he is yet to play for any nation at any level so far. His brother, Miguel, plays for Arsenal’s Hale End academy.