Ehizibue renewal stalls as Udinese look for cover: Como’s Vojvoda on the radar

Udinese Calcio are proving particularly active in the early stages of the transfer window. After agreeing contract extensions for Jesper Karlström, Christian Kabasele and Hassane Kamara in recent weeks, the Friulian club yesterday confirmed the permanent signing of Nicolò Zaniolo from Galatasaray SK for around €5m, with the Istanbul club retaining a 50% sell-on clause.

As for the remaining renewals, talks over a contract extension for Kingsley Ehizibue have currently stalled, with his deal set to expire on 30 June. The main stumbling block is financial: Udinese want to spread the €1m net salary the wing-back currently earns over two years.

After a positive end to the season, Ehizibue had strengthened his case to continue wearing the black-and-white shirt, not least because he is highly regarded by Kosta Runjaic. Should he leave, however, the club do not want to be caught unprepared and are already scouring the market for a possible replacement.

According to rumors, technical director Gökhan Inler and sporting director Gianluca Nani have identified Mërgim Vojvoda, the Kosovo full-back at Como 1907, as a target. He is coming off a season in which he made 34 appearances for the Lariani, contributing two goals and three assists in all competitions.