Irish striker Jonathan Afolabi has received offers from a host of English clubs as well as one from Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow, who will be playing Champions League football next season.

Afolabi has been without a club since the start of the summer after leaving Southampton but his standout performances at the U19 European Championships caught the eye of many, with several clubs interested in signing him.

Pundit Arena had exclusively revealed last week that Crystal Palace were the frontrunners for his signature and according to sources close to the player, Roy Hodgson’s side are one of the clubs who have offered Afolabi a deal.

Fellow Premier League side Wolves have also penned an offer along with Championship side Stoke City with a decision expected from the player soon.

Pundit Arena also understands that Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow have offered Afolabi a first team contract, with the club set to be playing in the Champions League group stages this season.

Afolabi’s work-rate and finishing ability impressed many in Armenia including Irish U21s boss Stephen Kenny who told Pundit Arena that his form at the European Championships and in particular his attitude, have been a huge bonus for the Boys in Green.

“One of the things that has been a plus is the form of Jonathan Afolabi,” said Kenny. “He’s been one of the best centre-forwards in the tournament without a doubt. “A lot of players when they’re released from clubs it’s quite complex. Human emotion is what it is, some people maybe come home, get deflated and give up football. “They fall out of love with the game for a year, it takes them sometimes a year to get the motivation back to get back playing. Jonathan has taken a setback but he hasn’t allowed that setback to set him back. “He’s been very determined to show his quality and I think that was evident in Russia in the qualifying campaign, he was very prominent and I think he’s shown everyone a great example of how to react when you have been let go. He’s been exceptional.”

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