Exclusive: Fiorentina to Rival Valencia, Coventry and Birmingham for Brentford's Frank Onyeka

Fiorentina are interested in signing Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka this month, SportsBoom can reveal.

The Bees’ midfield is reportedly a transfer target for Midlands’ clubs Coventry City and Birmingham City.

But our sources have been told there is interest from abroad. 

Most notably from Spanish outfit Valencia who are understood to have already approached the Premier League Bees over his availability. 

Our sources understand there are at least two other clubs in Europe, one of whom is Serie A club Fiorentina, who have enquired about the Nigerian international in recent weeks.

The 28-year-old has been at the African Cup of Nations, where Nigeria were beaten on penalties by Morocco in the semi-finals, but is focused on the next step in his career once he returns to England.

His representatives have been working behind the scenes during AFCON to see what is available and will discuss potential moves with the player early next week. 

Onyeka, affectionately known as ‘Frank the Tank’ among Brentford fans due to his seemingly endless engine is on the fringes at the west London club.

And sources close to the club say the Bees will not stand in his way if the right move for the player arises.

Onyeka raised eyebrows whilst on international duty by stating it was a “dream” to play for Manchester United.

Although an Old Trafford switch is highly unlikely, it is plausible the £8.5million signing will end the window away from the GTech. 

Surplus to Requirements

Onyeka signed for the club ahead of their first season in the Premier League from Midtylland, where he won two Danish league titles and a Danish Cup.

He is contracted with the Bees until 2027 after penning a new four-year deal in 2023.

Last season he was loaned out to Bundesliga side FC Augsburg, where he made 31 appearances. 

His six league appearances under Keith Andrews, who took the helm after Thomas Frank’s summer departure to Tottenham Hotspur, have all come off the bench.