Genk looking to replace Paul Onuachu with another brilliant Nigerian striker

The Smurfs are resigned to losing their prolific target man this summer, but they are targeting one of the striker’s compatriots as his successor

KRC Genk are interested in signing exciting Anglo-Nigerian forward Ike Ugbo as the Belgian giants are confident the Chelsea star can step into the shoes about to be vacated by Paul Onuachu.

It’s only a matter of when and not if Onuachu will leave Genk, as a plethora of clubs is reportedly on the hunt for the signature of the Super Eagles forward following an excellent campaign in the Jupiler Pro League.

The former FC Midtjylland striker, who won the Ebony Shoe award, is a top priority for Sevilla, Lazio, West Ham, and Lyon, with the French side already credited with having a bid rejected.

One-cap Super Eagles star Cyriel Dessers is confident he can shoulder Genk’s goalscoring burden when Onuachu leaves, but Racing want extra competition for the former Heracles ace.

And, according to VoetbalPrimeur, Genk has turned to Chelsea-owned Ugbo as Onuachu’s replacement.

The 23-year-old Super Eagles hopeful switched to Cercle Brugge temporarily last term and was a revelation in the Belgian top-flight, netting 16 league goals to help the side avoid relegation.

However, Ugbo refused Cercle’s offer to make the loan deal permanent, returning to Stamford Bridge, where he is under contract until next year.

Chelsea are unwilling to let the talented attacker go on a free and will look to cash in on him this summer, with Besiktas, Dutch giants PSV and Feyeenord reportedly keen on the Nigerian.