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The prodigious young Zambian has been linked with a move to Lille, but while there is stronger interest from the Premier League, the 21-year-old is in no hurry to leave Bern

EXCLUSIVE
By Robin Bairner | French Football Editor

Young Boys striker Emmanuel Mayuka is being closely followed by Premier League sides Newcastle and Fulham, as well as a number of other top clubs, Nir Karin, the player’s agent, has revealed to Goal.com.

On Friday, the 21-year-old attacker was linked by L’Equipe with a move to Ligue 1 champions Lille, and Karin has confirmed that there is interest from France, though the English clubs, plus Dynamo Kiev, are more eager to pounce.

“In France, there are three clubs interested in him, though I can’t say anything specific about Lille,” the player’s representative disclosed. “I can tell you that Dynamo Kiev, Fulham and Newcastle are the three teams most serious on him this January.”

However, the agent was keen to stress that his client is more than content with life in Switzerland. "Makuya is very happy at Young Boys, and likes the city of Bern and its people," he insisted.

All three sides are eager to boost their offensive options and Karin predicts big things to come from the Zambia international, who has turned heads in Switzerland with a strong goalscoring record since joining the Swiss Super League side from Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2010.

EMMANUEL MAYUKA ATTACKER | YOUNG BOYS

2011-12 SEASON CLUB STATS Appearances 20 Goals 11 Assists 3 INTERNATIONAL FILE Senior debut 29/9/07 v Mozambique Caps (goals) 22 (5)

“No doubt that if club a signs him, they will be able to benefit from his goals immediately and, in addition, there is no doubt that his next club is a stepping stone,” Karin continued.

“Mayaku is a winner, always fighting to win, and always running and on the move.

“His greatest strength, though, is that he likes to learn and to improve.”

Certainly, the forward’s scoring form this term is impressive and, despite his tender years, he has a strong record at European level, registering four goals in nine Europa League appearances in his short career to date.

But Mayuka is not just a goalscorer, as he is able to play all across the offensive line, including in a No.10 role and out wide on the left.

Although no price tag has been finalised, it is certain that the player will move for more than the €1.7 million for which Young Boys purchased him.

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