STARS IN EUROPE - NIGERIA - CLUB - Omeruo set to join Kasimpasa on loan

Kasımpaşa Spor Kulübü Kenneth Omeruo

Nigeria international defender Kenneth Omeruo is set to join Turkish Super Lig side Kasimpasa on a season-long loan deal from English champions Chelsea.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at English Championship side Middlesbrough, where he made 22 appearances in all competitions.

The Super Eagle, who joined Chelsea in January 2012, was determined to fight his way into Jose Mourinho's plans this season but has opted for a move to Turkey instead.

BBC Sport understands Omeruo will have his medical at Kasimpasa on Tuesday before signing a deal, which includes an option for the Turkish club to buy him at the end of the loan.

Omeruo has come a long way since joining the Stamford Bridge outfit from Belgian side Standard Liege - developing on loan at ADO Den Haag in the Netherlands in an 18-month spell from 2012 to 2013, becoming an international regular and making his mark at Middlesbrough.

The centre-back was first called up by Nigeria in January 2013, and he went on to play at that year's Africa Cup of Nations, helping the Super Eagles win the trophy, and at the World Cup the following year.

At that time he was also starring at English Championship side Middlesbrough, who he joined in January 2014.

He made 14 appearances in his first loan spell, and after agreeing another season-long loan deal at the club, he returned for a second spell to help Middlesbrough's push for promotion in the 2014/15 season.

An integral part of the Super Eagles squad that reached the last 16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Omeruo has also represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-17, U-20 and the 2013 Confederations Cup.