The 31-year-old missed the dream move to Everton or Fulham

Nosa Igiebor admits he was twice denied a chance to play in England when Real Betis refused to sell the Nigeria international to Everton or Fulham, Speaking to Beat.

The 31-year-old Premier League ship appears to have long since sailed for a player who was last seen in Cypriot football with Anathorsis Famagusta.

After all, it’s been a decade since Igiebor had his big break at Betis when he joined the La Liga giants after helping Hapoel Tel Aviv win the 2012 Israel Cup.

And during his time in Andalusia, the 15-cap Nigerian received a handful of requests from clubs in England. Not that Betis were particularly keen on the sale.

A missed opportunity

“I had two offers when I was at Real Betis but they didn’t let me go because they wanted too much money for me,” explains Igiebor. “Fulham was interested in me.

“We played a pre-season game against them and I scored the only goal (in August 2013). Their manager at the time (Martin Jol) was waiting for me after the game.

“He said he liked my game and asked if I would like to play for them and I said ‘yes’.

“The following week Betis got an offer but they turned it down because they said the money was too little. I think Everton were the second team but I’m not sure if they made a specific offer. The club didn’t tell me about it.”

According to the Daily Mail, West Bromwich Albion called around the same time. Igiebor, who was valued at around £3million in early 2014, was one of the few highlights of a terrible season for Betis holding their own against Real Madrid.

“It’s very comprehensive, a real physical marvel and extremely technical,” Los Verdiblancos said teammate Joan Verdu once about Igiebor.

The all-action midfielder eventually returned to Israel after a couple of seasons in Spain and never really found the form Everton, Fulham and the Baggies have enjoyed.

In other news, Arsenal and Tottenham want the ‘incredible’ PL ace, his contract talks are stalled