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Soccer News of Friday, 13 July 2001

Source: by Adam Marshall

EXCLUSIVE: Addo Has Offers But Delays Move

AFRICAN sensation Ishmael Addo has offers from Kaiserslautern and Lecce but is still waiting to finalise his future plans. The Hearts of Oak hit-man has attracted attention from all over Europe, although he is believed to prefer a move to France or Holland.

Lecce had a close look at the Ghanaian teenager and offered $1 million for his signature but Kaiserslautern have been similarly impressed and matched the bid a week ago.

The Bundesliga side are in the market for a new forward in preparation for Youri Djorkaeff leaving the club, after an on-going row this summer.

Even though Addo picked up a slight injury recently, he is in outstanding form and is tipped to become a big name in the future.

The 18-year-old African attacker's advisers are keen for him to make the right move, such is his youth and inexperience, and there is also concrete interest from Benfica, with the Portuguese outfit always on the look-out for fresh talent.

The Lisbon side have made contact with the player's representatives and are pondering tabling a rival bid to Hearts of Oak.

Monaco and Montpellier could also be in the frame, and a switch to France would appeal to the player.

His mentor and coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio stated: "Addo is about the best young striker to have come through in the past few years.

"He is a natural finisher, courageous and loves nothing better than big challenges.

"I have no doubt that he has a lot to give this club and Ghana."