Tottenham are reportedly set to beat Portsmouth to the signing of Udinese midfield anchorman Christian Obodo in the January transfer window which will sour relations between the club further. Not content with taking both manager Harry Redknapp and star striker Jermain Defoe from Fratton Park, it would seem Spurs will also outbid the South-Coast club to one of their major transfer window targets.

The 24-year-old has become a bit-part player at the Serie A club this season in the last 2 seasons as the Swiss international Gokhan Inler has come to the fore in his position. In fact, Obodo has played in just 6 League games this season (1 start). Last season the Nigerian international made just 1 substitute appearance in Serie A and is set to leave the club.

Obodo was born in Lagos and begun his career in his homeland for Plateau United prior to a move to Italy with Perugia in 2001. The 2002/03 season saw the midfielder stamp his mark for the Italian side playing in 30 League games (21 starts) and scoring once. After yet another impressive season in 2003/04 when he made 31 League appearances (30 starts) he was sold to Fiorentina. However, the Viola only bought half of the player’s registration rights so despite an impressive first season both Fiorentina and Perugia held a blind auction to decide his future. Perugia won the auction but sold him immediately to his present club Udinese.

After two successful first seasons with Udinese partnering Sulley Muntari in the centre of midfield in the debut campaign, injury and the signing of Gokhan Inler limited the number of games the Nigerian played in so he expected to be sold this January.
Obodo has been capped 11 times by Nigeria but failed to establish himself in the Super Eagles side.

The 5 ft 9 anchorman is an aggressive, combative midfielder who is seen by Tony Adams as the perfect replacement for Lassana Diarra for Pompey. At £5m he is not overly expensive but with both Tottenham, Newcastle and West Brom interested, Adams will have to move quickly.

Do you think Obodo is the type of player your club needs or would you prefer another potential target? Let’s hear your views.

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