Balogun's brother advised Sancho to join Chelsea not Man Utd, discusses Arsenal striker's eligibility

Folarin Balogun's elder brother, Royce Balogun, has confessed that he advised former Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho to snub a transfer to Manchester United in favour of a move to Chelsea in the recently concluded transfer window.

Royce admitted that he wanted Sancho to move to Stamford Bridge because the England young sensation supported Chelsea growing up.

In the most expensive transfer ever brokered by a Nigerian agent, Emeka Obasi, Sancho completed his switch to Manchester United in July, signing a five-year deal with an option for an additional year.

The Red Devils saw off competition from the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool to sign the 21-year-old.

Emeka Obasi's Elite Project Group Limited also look after Royce Balogun's younger brother at Arsenal, Folarin.

Speaking to What The Footie Pod, Episode 44, Royce Balogun said : "I actually told him (Sancho), don't go to Manchester United because he was a Chelsea fan. I would have absolutely loved to see him at Chelsea".

Although Folarin Balogun has played competitively for England at U17 and U21 levels, the attacker remains eligible to represent three-time African champions Nigeria  through his father as well as United States, where he was born.

Royce explained that his brother is marketable because he holds the nationalities of the three countries.

"As a young footballer as Folarin is, we are always constantly thinking about marketability because he is in a very unique position where he can represent three countries at the moment like Nigeria, USA and England so you always want to see what kind of market can you take him.

"Making sure that he has connections to here and never forget where he is coming from.

"It's still early days because Folarin is still trying to establish himself as an actual first team player but at the same time when opportunities come they will come thick and fast."

Folarin Balogun made his full Premier League debut on the opening day of the season at Brentford and was given minutes off the bench against Chelsea the following matchday at the Emirates Stadium.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel