Stockport boss has been long-term admirer of Millwall striker – as third time proves lucky in striking a deal

Stockport County manager Dave Challinor has revealed he is a long-term admirer of Isaac Olaofe after clinching a permanent deal for the Millwall striker.

The 23-year-old Lions frontman joins for an undisclosed six-figure fee. We reported earlier in the week that the Championship club have a buy-back option as well as a sell-on clause.

Olaofe has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal with the League Two club, who recently knocked Charlton out of the FA Cup.

“I’ve tracked Isaac for some time and to finally get a deal done to be able to work with him is really pleasing,” said Challinor to Stockport’s official website.

“I must thank Mark and the board for allowing us to invest in not just the present, but the future as well.

“It’s third time lucky I suppose. I’ve tried to take Isaac to Hartlepool but that unfortunately didn’t happen. We then spoke prior to the August transfer window shutting but he felt he needed to go and prove himself in League One having done well at Sutton in League Two, which I totally understood. We had a really good conversation with him and we wished each other well.

“Finally, this time we’ve got our man. I hope and believe the saying that good things come to those who wait will be very fruitful in this instance and I’m delighted he’s agreed to come and join us. In terms of a player, he absolutely fits the profile we’ve been after. He’s young, hungry, has power, pace and wants to stretch the game and run in behind. Out of possession he’ll press really hard from the front, so will fit into our style and philosophy hopefully very easily and importantly, his goal involvement in creating and scoring is very good.

“It’s important now that we get him integrated into the group as quickly as possible and get a clear understanding of what we need from him on both sides of the ball and get him out there to experience what this club is about. He was at the game on Boxing Day, so has felt the atmosphere inside Edgeley Park from the stands and very soon he’ll get to feel that from on the pitch.

“I’m sure everyone will make him feel very welcome and from the times I’ve spoken with him he seems a very level-headed, humble young man who I think will be a real success with us.”