A Gambia Football Federation (GFF) official confirmed yesterday that the Bristol City striker Saikou Janneh, who is the target of Premier League and other top European clubs, is on their radar for possible recruitment into the Scorpions for the AFCON finals in Cameroon.
The Gambia is appearing in the continental showpiece for the first time in January and football authorities are hell bent on gathering a formidable squad. Some of the players targeted alongside the current flock could include overseas players with Gambian heritage such as Janneh whose parents come from Gunjur. ”I cannot say how far it will go but naturally Saikou Janneh is on the radar for a possible scorpion,” said our GFF source.
Janneh, 21, has caught the eyes of the Premier League new-boys Norwich as a group of clubs consider making a move this summer.
But according to the Sun Newspaper, there is also competition from Brighton and fellow promoted side Watford for the Gambian forward who has two years left on his current deal at Ashton Gate.
Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson is desperate to keep hold of the forward, who has climbed out of non-league to show his qualities in the professional game.
He enjoyed a successful loan at Torquay where he scored 16 goals in 28 appearances before a short-term move to Newport County this season was cut short by injury.
But Pearson believes there is much more to come at Ashton Gate for Janneh and has already brought him into his first-team plans.
The 21-year-old is yet to score for his parent club having made two Championship appearances this season.
Hertha Berlin and Bayer Leverkusen have also shown an interest as the German clubs look to scour the Championship for players with potential and a summer fight for his signature could be on.
