Blackburn Rovers are set to sign young striker Exauce Mafoumbi, The Lancashire Telegraph understands.
French outlet L'Equipe first reported Rovers' interest over the weekend and it's understood that is accurate. The 19-year-old will complete a move to Ewood Park, which is thought to be at an advanced stage.
Nantes offered Mafoumbi his first professional contract but he has turned it down in favour of a move to England. It's expected he will link up with Mike Sheron's Under-21s for the upcoming season.
Rovers have been keen to continue their recruitment drive at Academy level to supplement their own local talent. Igor Tyjon was a pick-up from Rochdale 12 months ago and his rise, which has seen him featuring during pre-season for the first team, is an example of why the club feel it is so important.
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Aodhan Doherty has already been signed this summer from Linfield for the Under-21s. Fellow Northern Ireland winger Jack Hastings has also been on trial with the club but has now returned to his parent club.
Mafoumbi logged 11 goals in 16 games in the Under-19 National Championships for Nantes last season. He also scored three times and registered one assist in the UEFA Youth League for the French side.
Junior Nsangou ended last season up front of the Under-21s but turned down a first professional deal this summer. At the time of writing, he has not signed elsewhere.
Confirming he exit, he wrote on Instagram: "For the past 9 years, Blackburn Rovers FC has been my home. Now I feel the time is right for me to embark on a new adventure.
"I’ll be forever grateful to this club for the experience, the memories, the ups and downs. Grateful for it all. This club will always have a special place in my heart ❤️. Goodbye and Goodluck to everyone at Rovers."
Igor Tyjon is also likely to be more heavily involved with Sheron's side this term, whilst the player has ambitions of staking a claim in the first team.
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