Premier League sides, Liverpool and Everton, are preparing an audacious N2.16 billion summer transfer bid for Super Eagles and Lazio midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi.
Onazi, 21, moved to the Italian capital back in 2011 after impressing at the 2009 Under-17 World Cup, and has gradually established himself as a valuable first-team member at the Stadio Olimpico.
The athletic midfielder’s impressive displays have attracted the interest of a number of teams in recent months, but most prominently from Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool, as both were linked with moves for Onazi in the January transfer window.
Everton were strongly rumoured to be tabling a bid for Onazi, who has 18 caps for Nigeria, but it was believed that Lazio President, Claudio Lotito, would not accept less than €9 million for the young midfielder – but new comments from Onazi suggest that whilst he is happy at Lazio, it’s something of a dream for him to play in the Premier League.
“The Premier League in my future? I have always dreamed of being a professional footballer and here I am in Italy,” said Onazi. “Of course I would like to play in England, but we must keep our feet on the ground and worry about the present.”
Everton manager, Roberto Martinez, could be in the market for a central midfielder this summer, with Gareth Barry’s loan deal from Manchester City set to expire at the end of the season, whilst there is growing interest from a number of bigger clubs in Ross Barkley.
Should Barry stay at City or even go elsewhere, then Martinez will certainly be looking to replenish his midfield.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s title bid will almost certainly make them a more attractive proposition in the summer, and manager Brendan Rodgers will be looking to add more depth to his squad this summer, particularly having been stretched after the injury to Brazilian midfielder, Lucas Leiva.
Onazi would certainly add to an existing base of promising youngsters at Anfield.
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