Rome - The final nail may have been hit into the coffin of transfer talks around Nigerian-born Italian youth international, Stephano Chuka Okaka, with officials at his Serie A club, AS Roma insisting he is not leaving.

With the transfer market set to close on Monday, the odds are against Okaka’s hopes of a loan move to newly-promoted Bologna, but the crew at Roma has now stated categorically that he is not going anywhere.

Okaka spent time on loan with AS Modena in the Serie B last term, but is set to fancy his chances in the top flight this time out, as the youngster’s agent has confirmed that his client will be staying at the Rome-based club this summer.

Okaka had initially been lined up to sign for Bologna all summer, and indeed was on the verge of a move a few weeks ago, until Roma coach, Luciano Spalletti put the brakes on the deal at the last minute as the club were still short on numbers up-front.

Despite the signing of Julio Baptista, and the arrival any hour now of Monaco’s Jeremy Menez, centre forward Okaka will be staying at the Stadio Olimpico.

“I can officially say that Stefano will stay at Roma. The opinion of Spalletti was decisive and he wanted to keep Okaka.

“It could be valuable for Okaka to continue at Trigoria where he grew up and he is very enthusiastic for the opportunity,” said Okaka’s agent, Domenico Scopelliti.

Comment

Other News Headlines