AdminFemi Azeez was attracting interest from Aston Villa before completing his £15million move to Brighton on transfer deadline day.
Former senior Villa scout and Millwall legend Bryan King revealed the Premier League side had previously taken a close look at the 25-year-old, who has now completed his move to the Seagulls.
Azeez underwent a medical before signing a long-term contract, with Brighton agreeing an initial £12.5m fee plus around £2.5m in potential add-ons.
The winger enjoyed an excellent Championship campaign with Millwall last season, scoring 11 goals and registering seven assists. His performances earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year and his first senior Nigeria call-up.
He made an immediate impact at international level, scoring twice against Zimbabwe before providing an assist against Jamaica.
“I know from my sources that Villa had a look at this boy Azeez earlier, but of course he’s been injured. He got injured in the first game,” King told Football Insider.
“But I can see him going to Brighton. I think that’d be a good move for him, because I think he lives nearer Brighton than he does Millwall, actually.
“I’m surprised that another London Premier League club, you know, a Fulham or, well, he wouldn’t have gone to West Ham, but certainly Fulham.”
Azeez averaged 2.88 shots, 2.15 chances created and 1.51 successful dribbles per game last season, while creating 0.58 big chances per match, ranking above 96 per cent of Championship players.
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