Mohamed El Assy, CEO and general manager of UD Almería, has maintained that Nigerian forward Umar Sadiq is nearing the Rojiblancos’ exit door.
El Assy recently revealed, without mentioning the interested suitors, that Almeria had received bids close to 30 million euros for Sadiq.
But several media reports suggested that Villarreal, long-standing admirers of the Super Eagles striker, were one of those clubs that had submitted offers.
Fellow La Liga campaigners Getafe have also been credited with having shown concrete interest in Sadiq.
Villarreal, however, thrashed those reports into the bin a couple of days ago, insisting that the Yellow Submarines have ended negotiations regarding the Almeria forward
Still, Almeria chief executive officer El Assy insists three clubs – two in La Liga and one abroad – remain in the running for Sadiq’s signature.
“Right now there are three teams that are fighting for him, but if he is sold, it will be at the price that we understand,” El Assy told La Voz de Almería, as per Jornada Perfecta.
“There are two teams from Spain and one from abroad, but I can’t mention the names of the clubs competing to take Sadiq.”
However, El Assy says Almeria is open to having Sadiq stay back at the club should no acceptable offer arrive for his services.
The Almeria boss said, “If we get there, we want him, yes.
“But we are prepared for both scenarios: if he leaves or if he finally stays. So there is a possibility that he will stay.
“Everything will depend on the negotiations.”
Sadiq made his La Liga debut last weekend in Almeria’s 2-1 loss at home to Real Madrid.