Sevilla push Youssef En-Nesyri to shine by luring away Al-Ittihad's tank

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Sevilla have thrown themselves into the race for Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena before the transfer window shuts, and the deal could cut both ways for Al-Ittihad. It hinges not only on the young forward's future, but on the calculations around Morocco's Youssef En-Nesyri, who is fighting to nail down his place in the Saudi side's attack.

Ilenikhena joined Al-Ittihad from Monaco last January for around 33 million euros. Game time proved hard to come by, and now Sevilla, hunting a new striker this summer, have come calling.

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Spanish programme "El Chiringuito" report that talks over a loan move to Sevilla had reached an advanced stage, with the player keen on the switch to Andalusia. Financial complications tied to his original Al-Ittihad transfer threw a spanner in the works, though, leaving the Saudi club more cautious.

Then Ilenikhena scored twice for Al-Ittihad. That display handed the club's hierarchy fresh reason to rethink letting him go, especially as the Nigerian started signalling he can offer a genuine attacking edge when handed the chance.

Sevilla still want the player. The Spanish club face problems on the financial side, and reports suggest his move is no longer the formality it looked a few days ago, with new factors now shaping the negotiations.

If Sevilla get the deal over the line, En-Nesyri could enjoy more room at Al-Ittihad. The Moroccan faces stiff competition for the centre-forward berth, and Ilenikhena hands the coaching staff a young attacking option blessed with pace and a knack for running in behind.

So Ilenikhena's exit would be far more than a young player heading out on loan to Europe. It could redraw Al-Ittihad's entire attack. The club either keep the "Nigerian Tank" and give him a bigger platform to prove himself, or they clear the path for En-Nesyri to become one of their key attacking options. Sevilla, meanwhile, wait for any breakthrough that lets them get the deal done before the window slams shut.