The Italian forward has been one of the major stars of the Turkish top flight and a respected voice at Adana Demirspor

Adana Demirspor are banking on the influence of former Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli to beat other competitors to the signing of Nigeria international winger Henry Onyekuru.

Only just promoted to the Super Lig last year, Adana Demirspor have shown their ambitions by attracting notable talents to their humble ground, including Italian manager Vincenzo Montella, ex-Chelsea star Loic Remy, and former Liverpool and AC Milan man Balotelli.

Nigerian winger David Akintola, 26, also arrived from FC Midtjylland for €1 million and has two goals in 24 games.

The celebrated signings have powered Adana Demirspor’s success in their first season back to the elite division, with the Blue Lightnings finding themselves in the top five with three matches left to play.

Balotelli has been the main man, contributing 16 goals (12 goals and four assists) in 28 appearances.

Still, Adana Demirspor want more success and have started drawing out their plans ahead of the transfer season.

One player top on their shopping list is Super Eagles forward Henry Onyekuru, who is enduring a difficult first season in Greece with Olympiacos.

Onyekuru remains a major attraction for clubs in Turkey because of three previous excellent spells with Galatasaray.

Istanbul giants Fenerbahce and Besiktas have already been linked with the former Monaco ace, while champions-elect Trabzonspor are eyeing him as a possible replacement for compatriot Anthony Nwakaeme.

Adana Demirspor are aware they would need more than just financial muscles to beat Fenerbahce and Trabzonspor to the signing of Onyekuru.

And they have reportedly charged Balotelli with the task of convincing the Nigerian to move to the New Adana Stadium instead of their more illustrious rivals.

And according to a section of the Greek media (via Cumhuriyet), Balotelli has called Onyekuru and has secured the winger’s word to join Demirspor in the summer.

Onyekuru, 24, has a contract with Olympiacos until June 2025.