According to reports, Newcastle are interested in Nigeria midfielder Eddy Onazi.
What’s the word?
Steve Nickson, Newcastle’s head of recruitment, was in attendance on Tuesday to watch Nigeria and Serbia face off in an international friendly.
Of course, Nickson could have been there to check on the progress of Aleksandar Mitrović, but that seems like more of a task for a coach or scout than the head of recruitment.
On top of that, allnigeriasoccer.com reports that Newcastle have had interest in Onazi before, and could revisit that interest this summer.
David Moyes was also in attendance for the friendly, so there could be some competition for the 25 year-old midfielder.
Good fit on Tyneside?
Onazi rose through the youth ranks at Lazio before making 76 league appearances for the senior side. Since his move to Trabzonspor in 2016, the Nigerian international has grabbed three goals in 36 league appearances in Turkey.
What will really appeal to Rafa Benitez about this player is his versatility. The best way to describe him to Newcastle fans is like if Vurnon Anita was good. He can play in central midfield, he can play as a full back, but he is best as a defensive midfielder.
Onazi already has nearly 50 caps for Nigeria despite being only 25. He is averaging an impressive 2.1 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, and 2.2 successful long balls per game in Turkey this season.
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Valued at just £3.6million on Transfermarkt, Onazi would be a great coup for Newcastle. His tough tackling and reading of the game would please the fans, and he has an eye for a pass too.
Newcastle fans, would you like to see a bargain move for Onazi? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…