Crotone of Italy have put a transfer fee of 15 million Euros on the head of their emergent Nigerian striker, Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo (Simy), following keen interest from SS Lazio in the lanky lad.
Crotone look unlikely to hold unto ‘Simy’ this summer, following their relegation from the Serie A, coupled with his status as a World Cup player, but the mid-class club now want to scoop from a possible deal for the player with Lazio.
Incidentally, Nwankwo’s agent, Stephen Ayodele Makinwa is a former player of Lazio, such that the prospects of him being able to seal a deal for the lad at the Rome-based outfit appear very high.
With that in view, Crotone have moved fast to cash in on the higher value ‘Simy’ has earned from two substitute appearances for Nigeria at the World Cup, and Lazio will have to pay up or leave out.
Crotone, though, will only consider an improved contract for ‘Simy’ should they be re-admitted to the Serie A courtesy of a match-fixing case that could demote Chievo in their place.
Should Chievo go down under the league body’s axe, Crotone will take their place and again play in the Italian top flight this season, thereby giving ‘Simy’ a reason to stay put.
The 25-year-old striker has a year left on his contract with Crotone, but has attracted links with several top clubs, hence his club’s decision to increase their valuation of the rising star to 15 million Euros.
