Copenhagen determined to keep Amartey

Daniel Amartey has emerged a top target by Europe’s big boys but his club FC Copenhagen are determined to keep him at least for the coming season.

The young Ghana international’s versatility in defence and central midfield with Djurgadens IF in Sweden earned him a move to European campaigners FC Copenhagen in a summer transfer last season and has since continued his improvement with the Danish side.

Amartey had an impressive debut season last term and has attracted interests from French trio Marseille, Monaco and FC Nantes while English Premier League side Leicester City are reportedly eying a move for the 22-year-old.

Copenhagen’s campaign in Europe has been short-lived by Jablonec who surprisingly booted the Danish giants out of the Europa League last Thursday but the club’s top brass are ruling out the development as a means to a possible departure for Amartey.

But manager Stale Solbakken has admitted that only an extraordinarily large amount could force the sale of the youngster.

”Daniel is happy to be in Copenhagen and is still developing. There has not been big enough bet yet, and it must be if we are to sell,” he said.

”He is not inferior to stay here another year, and maybe we can sell him for twice a year, who knows, says Solbakken, who will not talk about specific amounts.

”But I know where to draw the line,” he adds.

Meanwhile, team-mate Nicolai Jørgensen hopes and believes Amartey will stay around this term.

”Daniel is a great talent that is important for the squad. His time will come, and right now we need him here with us. Also, I think even he wants to be a while yet. I'm not so afraid he will be sold.

”He was a little unsure of his passes in the beginning, but now he has become an eminent midfielder. Along Thomas Delaney he constitutes a superb central midfield,” the Danish striker mentioned.

FC Copenhagen have reportedly been dismissive of the many inquiries that they have received with reports suggesting Amartey’s suitors may have to cough up about €8 million to land his signature.