Adana Demirspor are banking on the influence of former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli to beat other competitors to the signing of Nigerian international winger, Henry Onyekuru.
Only just promoted to the Turkish Super Lig last year, Demirspor have shown their ambitions by attracting notable talents to their humble ground including Italian manager, Vincenzo Montella, former Chelsea star, Loic Remy and ex-Liverpool man, Balotelli.
Nigerian winger David Akintola, 26, also arrived from FC Midtjylland for €1 million and has two goals in 24 games.
The celebrated signings have powered Demirspor’s success in their first season back to the elite division with the Blue Lightnings finding themselves in the top five with three matches left to play.
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Balotelli has been the main man, though, with the Italian striker contributing 16 goal (12 goals and four assists) in 28 appearances.
Demirspor still want more success and have started drawing out their plans ahead of the transfer season.
One player top on their shopping list is Super Eagles forward, Onyekuru who is enduring a very difficult first season with Olympiacos in Greece.
Onyekuru remains a major attraction for clubs in Turkey because of three previous excellent spells with Galatasaray.
Istanbul giants, Fenerbahce and Besiktas have already been linked with the former Monaco ace while champions-elect, Trabzonspor are eyeing him as a possible replacement for compatriot, Anthony Nwakaeme.
Demirspor are, however, aware they would need more than just financial muscles to beat Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor to the signing of Onyekuru.And they have reportedly charged Balotelli with the task of convincing the Nigerian to move to the New Adana Stadium instead of their more illustrious rivals.
And according to a section of the Greek media (via Cumhuriyet), Balotelli has called Onyekuru and has secured the winger’s word to join Demirspor in the summer.
By Oluyemi Ogunseyin
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