Liverpool are thought to have overtaken Merseyside rivals Everton in the race to sign Lazio's central midfield starlet 'Eddy' Onazi.

The Nigerian international has continued to impress for both club and country this season and is now interested in a January move to the Premier League.

talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight takes a closer look...

Full name: Ogenyi Eddy Onazi.

Date of birth: December 25 1992 (age 20).

Place of birth: Jos, Nigeria.

Height: 5ft 8in.

Playing position: Central Midfielder.

Current club: Lazio.

Number: 23.

Honours: Coppa Italia: 2012-13, Africa Cup of Nations: 2013.

What's new?

Onazi was on display at Craven Cottage on Monday night, as his native Nigeria drew 2-2 with Italy, and Liverpool scouts were said to be in West London to get a closer look at the 20 year-old.

Did you know?

1. Onazi joined Lazio in 2011, alongside his international team-mate Sani Emmanuel. The pair trialled in Italy following their impressive performances at the 2009 FIFA U17 World Cup, in which Nigeria reached the final on home soil, losing to Switzerland.

2. Everton were joined by Wolfsburg and Hertha Berlin in bidding for the Nigerian over the summer, only for Lazio to reject the offers.

3. Fiorentina sporting director Daniele Prade has been working hard to secure first option on the youngster, should Lazio make the decision to sell him, but has reportedly been rebuffed by the Rome club, who are thought to want at least £6m.

4. Onazi has made 26 appearances for the Eagles since signing for them in 2012, and scored his first Serie A goal in a 3-1 win over Inter Milan last May.

5. He was also called up to Nigeria's 23-man squad for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations. Notably, Onazi played every minute of all Nigeria's games in the knockout phase, including the final. This led to him being selected for Nigeria's squad at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

He says?

"I would jump at the chance to play in the Premier League. Liverpool? They are a huge team and are attractive to any footballer. I could see myself playing for them."

Source: talkSPORT