Standard Liege's Oguchi Onyewu linked with move to Blues

May 14 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

ALEX McLeish has homed in on the Belgium market as the Blues boss continues to sift through potential new signings.

Standard Liege defender Oguchi Onyewu and Anderlecht midfielder Lucas Biglia are on McLeish’s radar. Of the pair, perhaps the more realistic candidate for a move to St Andrew’s is American international defender Onyewu.

Known as ‘Gooch’, he turned 27 yesterday and has emerged as one of the top centre-halves in Belgium for title-chasing Liege.

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He spent six months on loan at Newcastle United from January 2007, making 11 appearances for Glenn Roeder’s side.

Blues’ chief scout Paul Montgomery used to work for Roeder at the Magpies.

At 6ft 4in and well honed, Onyewu has the reputation as a solid, athletic stopper, who is excellent in the air and can chip in with the odd goal.

He moved to Liege in 2004 from Metz in France after leaving Clemson University. He has 40 caps for his country and played in the 2006 World Cup.

Wolves are also keen on the £3million-rated Onyewu, who won the Jupiler title with Liege in 2008.