Lille chase Omeruo

Herve Renard’s first major signing as Lille new coach could well be Nigeria defender Kenneth Omeruo.

Former Zambia and Ivory coast coach, Herve Renard will kickoff his new role as Lille boss with a summer squad overhaul. 

And one of his top targets is the 21-year-old Omeruo, who has caught the eye of Renard since the AFCON 2013 when the Super Eagles brushed the Frenchman’s Zambia on their way to winning a third continental title.Sources close to the Ligue 1 club have informed that Renard has swung into action immediately to shore up his new team ahead of the new season by compiling his list of transfer targets.

It would be recalled that the Nigeria central defender still does not have a future at Stamford Bridge after going on loan to first Dutch club ADO.

“Renard has already made contacts to sign Omeruo and already Lille are in pole position to sign the player,” revealed the source close to the French club.

“But it is not yet known whether this would be a permanent deal or a loan.”

Omeruo’s contract at Chelsea will run out in June 2018.

This past season, Lille, who already have Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, failed to qualify to feature in either the UEFA Champions League or Europa League after they finished a disappointing eighth.