AC Milan forward M’Baye Niang has rejected an offer from Genoa in favour of staying at the San Siro this season, ESPN understands.
Niang, who was banned for 13 months for going out to a night club — and subsequently breaking curfew — while on France Under-21 duty, scored just one goal in 24 appearances in all competitions for Rossoneri last season.
At the moment, the likes of Giampaolo Pazzini, Mario Balotelli, Robinho and Stephan El Shaarawy are ahead of the France youth international in Massimiliano Allegri’s pecking order at Milan.
However, Niang, 18, is willing to fight for his place in Milan’s first-team despite the probable guarantee of regular football at the Marassi.
“I’m perfectly happy in Milan and I want to stay here,” the 18-year-old told L’Equipe. “I know what I can give to this side and I’m not scared of the competition.”
“Up front, on the right or out left – I’d play wherever the coach wants me. I know that I’ve got what it takes to make the breakthrough in this side.”
Last week, Senegal boss Alain Giresse called up Niang for this month’s international friendly against Zambia, while not expending invitations to Demba Ca and Papiss Cisse.
Niang is ready to commit his international future to Senegal, according to Giresse.
“He has told me he has decided. I have had contact with him, he is a player I have admired from far,” said Giresse.
In other news, Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng continues to be linked with a summer move away from the San Siro amid reported interest from Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund and FC Schalke 04, with a €10 million fee mooted.
Defoe linked with QPR move
Queens Park Rangers striker Andrew Johnson has urged Jermain Defoe to join him at Loftus Road, The Mirror reports.
Defoe, 30, has reportedly emerged as a shock transfer target for QPR following the departure of Loïc Rémy to Newcastle United on a season-long loan deal.
The England international is unlikely to move to the Championship at this stage in his career, but Johnson and perhaps Redknapp remain hopeful the 30-year-old talisman will at least consider joining the Super Hoops this summer.
“We don’t need to speak how big the club is, the club’s massive. It’s got massive backing, the chairman’s been fantastic, it’ll be great to give him something back,” said Johnson.
“Jermain has worked under Harry before, he’s worked with a lot of the boys before.
“I worked with him for three or four years at England. He’s a great lad. He’s worked with Jermaine Jenas and few of the old Tottenham boys and there are a lot of people here who could attract him to the club.
“Yeah of course, I think when I’ve moved to clubs first you look and see who you do and don’t know at clubs. I think that has an influence on where you choose to go in the end, so fingers crossed and hopefully Jermain will come.”
The arrival of Roberto Soldado from Valencia CF has surely moved Defoe down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, but the fact that Andre Villas-Boas has just three strikers, including Emmanuel Adebayor, at his disposal might rule out a summer exit for the England international.
Defoe bagged 15 goals and three assists in 43 competitive appearances for Spurs last season.
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