The French Press are suggesting that Stoke City are among the clubs keen to sign up 18-year-old Gabon youth defender Sidney Obissa.

The centre-back has caught the eye coming through the ranks at Bourg-en-Bresse Péronnas and Foot Mercato claim he is being trailed by Lille, Marseille, Club Bruges and Stoke’s Championship rivals Hull City.

Bourg-en Bresse Péronnas, who play in the third tier, are also keen to keep him on board. He has captained their youth team and already trained with their first team.

Stoke, Bruges and Hull are apparently ‘captivated by his profile’.

Peronnas coach Romain Paturel said: “Sidney is a player I discovered this season. He is one of those impressive athletic defenders thanks to his size (6ft 3in), but he is also remarkable with the ball.

“He is very hardworking and responds positively to a heavy training load, which should allow him to continue to progress. As a young man, he is a respectful and pleasant boy to train who must be more demanding with himself.”

Obissa moved to France at the age of eight and Foot Mercato reports: “He is a young man who has had an atypical course (into football), but undeniable talent.”

The man himself has ambitions to make it at the top and play for his country.

He said: “It would be a proud moment to play for Gabon. I go back there every summer and most of my family live there.

“I am inspired by players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Denis Bouanga and Bruno Ecuélé Manga. It would be a real pride to play with Gabon senior team.”

Stoke released several players from their under-23s squad at the end of the season, including defenders defenders Moussa Niakate and Sim Thandi.

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