Onazi delays Turkish deal for new Lazio boss

Ogenyi Onazi

Ogenyi Onazi   is ready to work his socks off to win back his place in Lazio’s first team  to help the Serie A side  lift the Scudetto next season.

The Nigeria midfielder, who was  reportedly approached  by Turkish Super League champions  Besiktas during the week   struggled for Serie A starts  last season.

But the 23-year-old is hoping to breathe a new life into his Lazio career under a new manager.

Former Argentina manager Marcelo Bielsa, who  was  scheduled to take over  the reins at the Rome club on Saturday, stunned Lazio  when he resigned his appointment on Friday .

The 60-year-old was named by Lazio on Wednesday as a replacement for Stefano Pioli, who was sacked in April.

According to Skysports, Lazio  have  threatened Bielsa with legal action after his  shock decision  sparked speculation that he could be appointed as Argentina’s new manager.

Onazi’s agent Stephen Makinwa made it clear in January  that the player would consider a move from Stadio Olimpico if Biancocelesti could not guarantee him regular playing time.

The South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who is valued at £7m, has been linked with Premier League sides Swansea, West ham and Sunderland, as well as Greek powerhouse  Panathinaikos in the summer window transfer market.

However, reports in  the Turkish media  said Istanbul  giants Besiktas had made a  formal offer (undisclosed)    to Lazio for Onazi. Besiktas, who  will play in the UEFA Champions League next season, are on the market for a replacement  for veteran Canadia enforcer Atiba Hutchinson, who ihas been linked a move to West Ham.

“The club (Besiktas) held a meeting with Lazio  for Onazi.  In the meeting, they  presented a formal offer for the 23-year-old footballer,” Turkish outlet Fanatik said.

“After considering the proposal,  the Italian team asked  for time to respond.”

But the newly-wed Onazi, who  has since resumed training  for Lazio,  said he was ready  to fight his way into Bielsa’s  team.

“I’m happy, I want to work with a coach  to learn more about the game,” Lalaziosiamonoi.it quoted the player, who represented Nigeria at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, as saying.

“It is obvious that everyone wants to aim to win the Scudetto.”

It is however believed Onazi, whose contract with the Italian outfit runs until 2018,   wants   the new manager   to unveil his plans before making  his decision whether to accept Besiktas’ offer.

The player made 19  appearances  for the White and Blues last term.