William Troost-Ekong close to joining Lille

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Saturday Jun 30, 2018. 13:30

News from Europe is that Nigerian defender William Troost-Ekong is close to joining French Ligue 1 side Lille from Turkish side Bursaspor.

According to reports, talks between Lille and Bursaspor have progressed in the last few days, with the French club willing to pay €3.5m for the defender who was signed on a free transfer by Bursaspor.

The 25-year-old played in all of the Super Eagles' matches at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the group stages.

Ekong made 27 appearances for Bursaspor last season and netted two goals and Lille, who were lucky to avoid relegation last season, have targeted him as a priority signing to strengthen their defence.

Moreover, it is believed that Ekong has already agreed to the move where he will be expected to replace Junior Alonso and the Turkish side will be given €500,000 in add-ons if at the end of the season, he plays in 30 games.