Celta Vigo of Spain are tightening their grip on Torino midfielder, Joel Chukwuma Obi, as the Liga side see him as a credible replacement for outgoing Slovakian dazzler, Stanislav Lobotka.
The report out of The Land of The Armada further indicates that, though Torino want to keep hold of Obi, following his return to the Super Eagles’ mainframe, Celta are almost desperate to get the former Inter Milan and AC Parma battler.
Obi is also keen on a new adventure, after spending his entire career in Italy, and has been at Torino for the past three seasons.
Consequently, Obi is edging closer to a move to Celta Vigo, as talks have progressed well in the past few days.
Obi is deemed surplus to requirements by Torino’s new coach, Walter Mazzari, despite playing 22 league games last season and scoring five goals for the Turin-based side.
Celta Vigo have now intensified their push to sign Obi, as they are warming up for the potential exit of Lobotka, who is close to agreeing a move to Napoli.
His former club, Parma also stepped up their quest to re-sign the 27-year-old but Celta, who have long signified their intention for Obi, have convinced Torino over his transfer.