Italian side Bari have reportedly set out their stance on Nottingham Forest-linked forward Walid Cheddira.
The Morocco international’s red-hot form in Serie B has seemingly made plenty of teams sit up and take note. And he is said to have attracted plenty of interest ahead of the January transfer window.
Reports in Italy have suggested the Reds are keen, along with fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur. Lazio and Napoli have also been credited with eyeing up the 24-year-old.
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He is said to have a £7 million price tag on his head, just a few months after moving for a reported 150,000 euros. However, according to Corriere dello Sport, via HITC, Bari have “no intention” of letting Cheddira go next month.
“Many Serie A clubs are (showing interest),” Bari president Luigi de Laurentiis told Mediaset, in HITC’s translated interview. “We are happy with his huge explosion (in form).”
And the player’s agent, Bruno di Napoli, told Radio Punto Nuovo: “Interest from Serie A? It is still early.
“The boy is very happy in Bari. He has a contract here until 2025.”
Cheddira has bagged nine goals in 12 appearances in Italy’s second tier so far this season, and has weighed in with four assists. He is part of the Morocco squad at the World Cup but has yet to get on the pitch ahead of their tie with Spain as they bid to reach the quarter-finals.
The front man made the move to Bari from Parma on a permanent basis in the summer, having enjoyed a successful loan spell at the club. During last term’s promotion-winning campaign he found the net six times as the team topped the table.
Forest made 22 signings in the summer as they prepared for life in the top-flight. The January window will not be anywhere near as busy at the City Ground, but head coach Steve Cooper could target a few key additions to aid his side’s survival bid.
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