A CHESTER-born footballer is on the verge of a sensational move from Mexico to the English Premier League.
Antonio Pedroza Whitham, who plays for Mexican side Jaguares, was in London earlier this week to discuss a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
The 20-year-old striker was born at the Countess of Chester Hospital and brought up in Blacon, before his family moved to Mexico – birthplace of Antonio’s father – in the early 1990s.
Antonio’s mum Katrina, 39, returned to the UK three years ago and now lives in Thornton-le-Moors, near Ellesmere Port.
She said: “It’s very exciting. It’s his dream to play in the Premier League. I’m very proud of him, definitely.”
Antonio, who has been likened to Manchester United and Mexico striker Javier Hernandez, is expected to cost Spurs under £1million as his contract at Jaguares has expired.
The livewire forward will reportedly sign a four-year contract and may be loaned out to a Championship team to gain experience of English football.
His name has cropped up in the transfer gossip columns of most national newspapers this summer.
Antonio claimed last week that a deal had been done to take him to Spurs.
He said: “I can announce that my transfer to Tottenham has been arranged.
"I am very happy and satisfied having played for an important team like Jaguares. Now I have the chance to make a dream come true to play in Europe.”
Antonio was in the frame for inclusion in England’s squad for the Under-20 World Cup in Colombia this summer, but did not make the 21-man squad. He qualifies to play international football for both England and Mexico as he was born in England but has a Mexican father.
He rose to prominence last season by scoring some key goals in the Copa Libertadores, the most prestigious club competition in South American football.
Antonio, who has a younger brother and sister, used to live in Cranford Road, Blacon, and was a pupil at JH Godwin Primary School before his family moved to Mexico.
