Napoli sets deadline for Osimhen suitors
Napoli have set a deadline date of July 8 for clubs interested in Victor Osimhen to come forward with their bids or forget about signing the Nigeria international.
Osimhen, who won the Italian Serie A Most Valuable Player for U-23 footballers, has attracted the attention of many clubs and is one of the most sought-after players in Europe after a fine season in Italy.
The Nigeria international scored 18 goals and registered six assists for Napoli in all competitions despite missing a chunk of the season with injury.
English Premier League clubs Manchester United, Arsenal, and Newcastle are desperate to sign the 23-year-old striker but Napoli’s valuation of €110m has been a stumbling block in the purchase of the Nigerian.
However, the Partenopeans, who will be competing in the UEFA Champions League next season, want to get the deals for the striker sorted out as soon as possible and have stated that offers beyond the stipulated date would be turned down.
Champions League final hero Courtois out of Belgium Nations League squad Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has withdrawn from the squad for their four Nations League matches over the next fortnight just days after his Champions League heroics with Real Madrid.
He has a groin strain and has been withdrawn after a medical examination, as has defender Jason Denayer, the Belgian football federation said on Tuesday.
Courtois said after the Champions League final on Saturday, where his Spanish club edged Liverpool 1-0 to lift the trophy, that he had struggled with injury for a while with recurring inflammation on inside of his thigh.
Courtois was sent home after a medical examination by the Belgium team doctor on Monday.
“He is not fit due to ongoing medical problems,” the Belgian federation said.
Defender Denayer, who has ended his contract with Olympique Lyonnais, has battled this season with an ankle problem.
Belgium are preparing for Nations League games at home to Netherlands on Friday and Poland on Wednesday followed by trips to Wales on June 11 and the return in Poland three days later.
SuperSport/Mercy Chukwudiebere
