Newcastle United and Sunderland look set to take their fierce rivalry to another level after reports emerged from Italy that both rival clubs are interested in securing the signature of Nigerian midfielder Joel Obi.
The 22-year-old Inter Milan player broke into the Nerazzurri first team three seasons ago but saw limited playing time last season while recovering from a major injury which also kept him out of Nigeria’s successful campaign at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
With the appointment of Walter Mazzarri as the new helmsman of the Italian Serie A side, following the sacking of Andrea Stramaccioni, who was Obi’s coach right from his days in the Inter Milan youth side, the Nigerian’s chances of playing regular first-team football this upcoming season appear not so bright under the former Napoli boss.
As a result reports from the Italian peninsula suggest that Inter are looking to offload the left-sided midfielder who has appeared 54 times for the Nerazzurri and seven times for the Nigerian national team, with Tyne and Wear rivals Newcastle and Sunderland suggested as possible suitors.
The Nigerian may not come on the cheap though as, according to TransferMarkt.com, he is valued at £6 million, although as he is recovering from injury he may cost much less.
However, regardless of the speculation over his future, Obi could yet remain at Inter for the coming season if he can prove to Mazzarri during pre-season that he has a role to play for the 18-time champions of the Italian top flight division.
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