Norwegian outfit IK Start are clearly the front runners to sign hot in demand Ventspils Nigerian forward Adeleke Akinyemi following positive talks with all parties involved in the proposed deal.
However Ventspils has made it clear that they will listen to offers for the 20 year old on two conditions after clearing the air with the forward about the issue of the €300,000 buy out clause in his deal.
The club explained to the representatives of the forward that the said amount is the minimum required to price him away from the club, and they are now set to demand more based on his exploits in the Europa League.
Akinyemi scored seven goals in four Europa League Qualifiers games, the highlight of the goals was his strike against French Ligue 1 side Bordeaux as it earned him recognition from the coach of the Nigerian team Gernot Rohr, who watched the game live in the stadium.
From all indication, Akinyemi will make the Nigerian team for their upcoming AFCON 2019 Qualifiers tie against Seychelles, and Ventspils have in turn raised his transfer fee based on two different dates for interested teams.
IK Start who are the front runners for his signature have been told that he will cost €500,000 If they are able to sign him on or before the 25th of August. The fee will rise to €700,000 if it exceeds the said date, Owngoalnigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Although the player is interested in a move away from Ventspils, his preferred destination still remains the French Ligue 1 but despite rumoured interest from Strasbourg and Bordeaux, a formal bid is yet to be lodged by both teams.
Aside IK Start, Israeli side Maccabi Netanya also showed interest in the forward who has 13 league goals in 17 games this season but he will rather prefer a move to France or Norway.
Daniel Martins
