African footballers and where they could be headed this summer

It's the off-season and rumor mills are in full flow. Many players are in search of greener pastures and are looking for blockbuster moves to new clubs. On that note, let's take a look at some of the stories that made headlines the past couple of days:

Serie A

Napoli end Youssouf Sabaly chase

As reported by Gazzeta Dello Sport, Napoli are no longer interested to bring Bordeaux full-back Youssouf Sabaly to Italian shores as he failed a medical due to an injury he's still nursing from Senegal's final World Cup game against Colombia back in June.

AC Milan in talks with Samassekou

As reported by Football Italia, AC Milan have opened negotiations for the signing of midfielder Diadie Samassekou. The Mali international has only 1 year left on his contract with the Austrian side, Red Bull Salzburg.

Torino reject offer from Nice for Niang

The Turin side have turned down offers from OGC Nice to take Mbaye Niang on loan. According to reports from Gianluca Di Marzio, Torino are not willing to allow the Senegal International to leave. Niang scored 5 league goals in 23 appearances last campaign.

Bundesliga & La Liga

FC Porto v Newcastle - Pre-Season Friendly — Has he played his final match for Porto?

Porto's Aboubakar on Sevilla's radar

As reported by Goal, The Rojiblancos are keen to sign striker Vincent Aboubakar from Porto after missing out on a deal for Chelsea's Batshuayi this summer. Negotiations have been ongoing since Friday and they have agreed a fee in the region of €20m.

Gbamin exit blocked by Mainz 05

A Premier League side has seen a record bid rejected by Mainz 05 for their star defender Jean-Philippe Gbamin. The Cote d'Ivoire International was the subject of a record bid which surpassed the €26 million paid by Dortmund to sign Abdou Diallo this summer, according to their sporting director Rouven Schroeder.

Championship

Middlesbrough want Liverpool forward on loan

As reported by Daily Mail, Middlesbrough are weighing up their options to sign forward Sheyi Ojo on a season-long loan to bolster their attacking department. Several Championship clubs are reportedly eyeing the youngster.

Aston Villa want Abraham

Steve Bruce's side have shown interest in signing Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham on loan for the season, as reported by SBNation. The 20-year-old striker played for Swansea City last year on loan, scoring five goals in 31 league outings.

Premier League

Mane set to extend Liverpool stay

It's a great time to be a Liverpool fan as everything seems to be falling in place for the Reds this transfer window. Now, Liverpool are confident of tying down their Senegalese star to a long-term contract in the coming weeks as reported by The Sun. Mane's current contract runs till 2021 and he is expected to join Mo Salah and Firmino who have both committed their futures to Liverpool until 2023.

Tottenham set to beat Chelsea in race for Zaha

Spurs are plotting a £45 million move for Crystal Palace starlet Zaha as reported by The Daily Star. Palace are holding out for £70 million though. Spurs have been quiet in the transfer window thus far and Zaha may be their first signing of the summer.

Chelsea too are in the race to sign him as reported by The Daily Star. They have seen their offer of £30 million plus Drinkwater turned down by the Eagles. It will be interesting to see how the transfer pans out.

Leicester keen to sell Slimani

As reported by Sports Mole, Leicester are keen to offload the 30-year-old striker. They have placed a £18 million price tag on the Algerian forward. Sporting CP have reportedly shown interest in reuniting with their former player.

Akpom to join PAOK

Arsenal forward Chuba Akpom is set to join Geek side PAOK for a fee in the range of £2m, according to Goal. The 22-year-old has spent several seasons on loan and is now set for a permanent switch.

Rest of the World

Essien retires from international football

Former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has announced his retirement from international football, after over 12 years of active service with Ghana. Currently a free agent, he last played for Indonesian outfit Persib Bandung.