Stoke City rule out selling Etebo saying any club that wants him must offer an amazing amount

ENGLISH Championship side Stoke City has ruled out selling Super Eagles midfielder Oghene Etebo before the close of the summer break saying that if any clubs wants to buy him they must make an unbelievably good offer.

Etebo, 23, who joined Stoke City last summer just before Russia 2018, went on to have a brilliant World Cup and his now capped that with a decent showing at the recent African Cup of Nations. Both performances have enhanced his standing in England, leading to several Premier League sides making enquiries about his availability.

However, the club's manager Nathan Jones has ruled out any move for Etebo, pointing out that he is central to their promotion plans and prising him away will cost an arm and a leg. Stoke are hoping to make a spirited push for promotion over the course of the 2019/20 season as the club is keen to regain its Premier League status.

Mr Jones said: “If there had been any bids we’d let you know but we don’t want to lose Etebo. If anyone wants to come in for him they had better have a hell of a lot of money and be very strong because he’s a key member to our squad, as is Badou Niang.

“If anyone wants our players they had better have very deep pockets because these are good players who we’re very proud to have at our club. Etebo will not be back in time for the first league game at home to Queens Park Rangers, on August 3, however.

"He was wonderful for Nigeria, one of the stand out performers for them and Badou for Senegal. We are very proud of our internationals and both have done very well.”