Former Premier League striker Peter Odemwingie has revealed that he advised Henry Onyekuru to sign for Scottish Premier champions Celtic in January.
This follows up from the report in scorenigeria which claims that the Premier League clubs Newcastle United, Arsenal, West Ham United and Swansea City are all interested in signing the 20-year-old this summer.
It is understood that the the SPL side were keen on bringing the striker to the club in the January transfer window but the move did not materialise as the player was quoted in the Daily Record as saying that he preferred to sign for an English team.
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Odemwingie admitted that he informed his fellow Nigerian forward to complete a move to Celtic Park as it would further boost his chances of playing in the Premier League.
“I don’t know him much really,” he said.
“He rang me asking for help and advice in the last window in January. He told me there was an option with Celtic and options here and there.
“I said if you want to play in the Premier League, which is where every player should aim at at some point in his career, coming to Scotland means you’re one step closer and people will easily send scouts to watch you there.”
Onyekuru enjoyed a fantastic second campaign with Belgian side KAS Eupen as he contributed with 24 goals and nine assists in 41 appearances in all competitions last season.
The Nigerian’s contribution helped his side avoid relegation last season as they finished in 13th place just seven points clear of safety.
The striker’s performances were enough to see him called up to the Nigeria national squad in May and he made his international debut last month in the 3-0 victory against Togo in a friendly match.