Manchester City F.C. defensive midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim has been granted a free transfer by Manuel Pellegrini, Sky Sports understands.
Ibrahim, who is currently on loan at Tippeligaen side Strømsgodset IF, is reportedly attracting interest from a host of European clubs, including the likes of Celtic, Crystal Palace, Hull City, Newcastle United, Swansea City and West Bromwich Albion.
City have allowed the 22-year-old to leave the Etihad Stadium via free transfer one year prior to the expiration of his current contract.
The Norway youth international, 22, has enjoyed his time at Strømsgodset, but wants to test himself at the “highest level,” i.e. in the English Premier League.
“Yes, it’s true the club gave me a free transfer last week and my advisors are speaking with clubs at this stage,” confirmed Ibrahim.
“I’m hoping to have my future sorted in the next couple of weeks hopefully by mid August.
“Strømsgodset have been really good to me and I have developed so much here, but now I would like to test myself at the highest level which is playing in the Premier League week in week out.”
Ibrahim has scored four goals in 29 appearances in all competitions while on loan at Strømsgodset.
Oliveira snubs Stoke City for Rennes
S.L. Benfica forward Nelson Oliveira has snubbed Stoke City in favour of joining French side Stade Rennais on loan for the 2013/14 season, according to Sky Sports.
That seems fair enough, but not to Mark Hughes, who accused the Portuguese striker of choosing Rennes over Stoke City for more lucrative weekly-wages.
“We thought it would be a footballing decision,” said Hughes
“It seems to have been more about the money involved. That happens, I’m afraid, and you have to take it on the chin and move on.”
Lets be honest, if the decision was strictly a footballing decision, Stoke — who have not played the ‘most attractive style of football in recent years — would have had the slightest of chances to win the signature of Oliveira.
This will surely not be the last time Stoke City miss out on a transfer target.
The Portugal international, 21, scored four goals in 30 league appearances while on loan at Deportivo de La Coruña last term.
Jackson Martinez agrees terms with Napoli
F.C. Porto striker Jackson Martinez has agreed personal terms with S.S.C. Napoli, but the Serie A runners-up will likely have to meet the €40 million buy-out clause in his current contract if they are to complete the signing of the Colombia international, per Sky Sports.
Martinez, who joined Porto from Liga MX side Chiapas F.C. for an €8.9 million fee last summer, bagged 31 goals in 43 competitive appearances for the Portuguese champions in 2012/13.
The Colombia international, 26, has also been linked with a summer move to the Premier League in recent times, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur reportedly keen on the player.
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