Sevilla
dangles
N2.1bn on
IK Uche
02.07.2009
MASKED MAN... Ivo Karlovic of Croatia
serves,
during his straight-sets loss to
Roger Federer
in the quarterfinals of
the ongoing Wimbledon
championship on
Wednesday.
Photo: Getty Images ETAFE striker, Ikechukwu Uche could depart the La Liga club for Sevilla for €9 million ( about N2.142 billion).
Sevilla, which will campaign in the Champions League next season, has made enquiries about the nimble-footed Nigerian international, who is touted as a capable replacement for Brazilian forward Luis Fabiano.
The Brazilian represented his country at the recently ended FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, grabbing two goals for the Selecao's in the final of the tournament, helping them to a 3-2 victory over the USA.
According to Daily Trust, Getafe president, Torres Angel, revealed that Sevilla's sporting director, Monchi, had met with him to register Sevilla's intentions to snap up Nigeria's striking sensation, although the move is only an option that can be realised if Luis Fabiano leaves the Andalucian club.
"Monchi has asked me about the price on Uche's head and I have told them he is worth €9 million," Angel said.
Uche has attracted interest from Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, who was a co-commentator during the Super Eagles international friendly against France on June 2, 2009 in Saint-Etienne.
The 24-year-old forward scored seven goals last season and has built a reputation of scoring against Spanish giants like Barcelona and Real Madrid. He played for Recreativo Huelva before switching to Getafe, which battled for its safety in the Spanish top-flight until the last day of La Liga last season.
Following Getafe's escape from relegation, Ikechukwu Uche reiterated his desire to stay at the club, but could yet move on if the right offer comes for his services.
Meanwhile, Fulham's bid for IK Uche's elder brother, Kalu Uche has been immediately rejected by Almeria.
The Cottagers' tabled a €2.3 million bid on Tuesday, but, according to Sport.co.uk, Almeria was uninterested. Hugo Sanchez is desperate to hold on to Uche, especially having lost star striker Alvaro Negredo already.
Every player, however, has his price, and Almeria is reportedly willing to negotiate if Fulham offers around €4m. Tottenham Hotspur is also said to be interested in the Nigerian international.
Uche has been at Almeria since 2005, and has scored 23 goals in that time.
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