Real Betis rival Lazio for record-making Super Eagles star

The summer transfer window IS barely a few days old, but La Liga side Real Betis have joined Lazio in showing early interest for record-making Nigerian striker Simeon ‘Simy' Nwankwo, as reported by the Italian-based outlet TuttoMercatoWeb (via La Lazio Siamo Noi).

Lazio were among the first clubs noted to be planning on swooping for Simy, who banged in 20 Serie A goals despite playing for struggling Crotone.

But Betis have seemingly overtaken their Italian counterparts in the pursuit of Simy for a possible permanent transfer deal.

While Lazio have reportedly only made preliminary contacts with Simy's representatives, Seville-based Betis have already established firm contacts with the Nigerian towards a potential summer move, the report added.

Simy is coming off an excellent campaign in Serie A.

The Super Eagles striker scored 20 goals for Crotone, which tied him with Lazio’s Ciro Immobile as the joint-fifth on the Serie A goalscorer's chart.

In doing so, the 29-year-old became the Nigerian to have scored the most goals in a single campaign in Europe’s top five leagues, overtaking Yakubu Aiyegbeni's previous record of 17.

Simy also eclipsed former Inter Milan star Obafemi Martins as the highest scoring Nigerian in the Serie A.

Martins scored 28 times in 88 matches for Inter Milan, but Simy ended with 30 goals, all in the colours of Crotone.