The giant 27-year-old impressed in South Africa last month and was instrumental in the USA reaching the Final, where they lost 3-2 to Brazil.

According to reports from Genoa, Onyewu is very likely to make the move to Serie A because his contract with Standard Liege is close to expiry.

He is increasingly unhappy in Belgium, where he has been since 2004 with a brief spell at Newcastle United, and last month announced he was suing Anderlecht defender Jelle Van Damme for alleged racist abuse during a Championship play-off game.

The centre-back stands at 6’5” and would give more power in the air to the Grifone’s back line.

Onyewu already made Genoa fans happy last season, as he scored against their arch rivals Sampdoria in the UEFA Cup.