He may’ve missed an unbelievable sitter in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Toronto FC, but Portland Timbers striker Fanendo Adi could convert a Premier League-sized chance this summer.
Yahoo Sports’ Kristian Dyer reports that Portland’s 6-foot-4 Designated Player striker has interest from both Crystal Palace and Ligue 1 side St. Etienne.
[ MORE: Vardy wins English POY award ]
Adi, 25, is yet to be capped by Nigeria but has been called up to the national team side, and his lack of caps could create a problem for him in England. He has seven goals in nine outings this season, and is coming off a 16-goal sophomore campaign in Portland.Given England’s strict standards for foreign players who do not hold European Union passports, Adi likely will need several more appearances with Nigeria’s national team before he can qualify for a work permit. The 25-year-old received his first national team call-up in March.
So it doesn’t look like a move to the Premier League would be coming any time soon, which is good news for Portland. Adi is a massive talent, his combination of size, skill and nose for net very difficult to find at his age in MLS.Also of note from the Yahoo report:
A source also said former Real Salt Lake player Carlos Salcedo could be heading to Europe. The current Chivas defender is being tracked by the likes of Swansea City in the Premier League and Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin. Salcedo has five caps with Mexico since making his debut last year.
Follow @NicholasMendola