Aston Villa look to Raphael Onyedika as a replacement for their injured midfielder

ENGLISH Premier League giants Aston Villa have opened enquiries about Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika with a view to signing him from his Belgian side Club Brugge before the January transfer window closes.

Onyedika, 24, is primarily a defensive midfielder, known for his physical strength, ball-winning ability and tactical discipline. He has just returned from the African Cup of Nations in Morocco where he featured for Nigeria is several matches, helping the Super Eagles win bronze at the tournament.

On the radar of several English clubs for the last two years now, Onyedika excels at breaking up opposition play through interceptions and well-timed tackles. He also possesses the composure to retain possession under pressure, while his athleticism enables him to cover ground quickly and act as a perfect shield in front of the back four.

Currently sitting third on the Premier League, Aston Villa have enquired about Onyedika as a possible midfield solution following a serious injury to Boubacar Kamara. According to transfer specialist Sacha Tavolieri, Villa are actively seeking cover in the current transfer window as Kamara’s recent knee injury situation remains uncertain.

Apparently, the player is undergoing tests to establish the extent of an knee injury he suffered early in last week’s FA Cup win at Tottenham when he hobbled off in the ninth minute. Villa manager Unai Emery, knows the level of Onyedika's quality after the anchorman featured twice against his side in the Uefa Champions League last year.