Three Spanish LaLiga clubs, Villarreal, Valencia and Real Sociedad are battling for the signature of Nigeria international Umar Sadiq.

The 25-year-old recently returned to pre-season training with newly promoted Almeria but the striker has been on the radar of top Spanish clubs as well as interested from Portuguese side Benfica in recent weeks.

Umar was instrumental to Almeria’s return to the topflight after scoring 18 goals in 36 games finishing as the sixth top scorer in the league.

According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, Villarreal manager, Unai Emery is keen to beef up his attack with the lanky Nigerian striker but is currently battling other LaLiga clubs for Umar’s signature while Almeria are also keen to hold on to the former AS Roma forward. 

“Villarreal are pushing to sign Umar Sadiq in case Dia will join Salernitana on loan with a buy option. Unai Emery, keen on signing Sadiq. Timing will be key as also other clubs are following Sadiq, Valencia and Real Sociedad included,” the Italian tweeted. 

Umar scored a total of 38 league goals and 12 assists for Almeria in 74 games in two seasons. He was the league’s third top scorer in his debut season in the Spanish league second division with 20 goals.