Sources: Championship clubs race to sign Chelsea product Umit Akdag

Alanyaspor defender Ümit Akdağ is a target for a number of Championship clubs before the close of the transfer window, sources have told Football Insider.

The 22-year-old has caught the eye with his performances in the Turkish Super Lig, and has emerged on the radar of several Championship clubs as a result.

The centre-back has previous experience of English football having represented Chelsea at youth level, and he could now be about to move to the EFL.

Akdag turned out 36 times for Alanyaspor in all competitions last term, and a series of Championship clubs are now racing to sign him before the EFL's 1 September transfer deadline.

The starlet also at the centre of an international tug of war, with Romania and Turkey battling to convince him to pledge his international allegiances to the country.

Akdag qualifies for both countries as he was born in Romania to Turkish parents.

Championship clubs keen on Umit Akdag experience

Akdag quickly became a key player for Alanyaspor last season, as he established himself in the first team for the first time.

He helped his team to an 11th-placed finish in the Turkish top flight, while starting in all but four of their 34 league outings.

That represented significant progress for the youngster, who had spent the two previous campaigns out on loan with Goztepe and Toulouse respectively.

Despite his tender age, Akdag already has over 75 senior appearances under his belt, with nine of those coming in the highly-regarded Ligue 1 last term.

He is now on the radar of several Championship clubs, who see him as being a cost-effective way of strengthening their squads.

Championship clubs eye move for Samue Edozie

Football Insider revealed last week that Southampton winger Samuel Edozie is also a target for several Championship clubs.

Bundesliga side Paderborn and Danish giants Copenhagen have already made enquiries over the wideman's future, but the option to stay in the second tier remains on the table.

Edozie is out of contract at St Mary's in June 2027, meaning a cut-price deal is likely to be on the cards for the interested parties.

Several Championship clubs have been alerted by his availability, but it remains to be seen whether any of them will make a move.