HARARE – Tino Kadewere scored his 18th league goal in 18 matches for French Ligue 2 side Le Havre on Friday amid intense jockeying for his signature by several clubs across Europe, the Middle East and Brazil.
The Zimbabwe international scored the only goal after 16 minutes as Le Havre won away at Niort.
Le Havre will find it increasingly difficult to hold on to the prolific striker before the January transfer window closes.
English Premier League sides Aston Villa, Watford, Southampton, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Norwich have all been linked with the 24-year-old £10 million-rated striker, who could net promotion-chasing Le Havre five times the amount they paid to lure him from Swedish side, Djurgarden, in 2018.
Scottish champions Celtic have reportedly tabled an offer for Kadewere, while Spanish side Real Valladolid are also reported to be watching him.
French regional daily newspaper Paris Normandie says Brazilian giants Flamengo have enquired about Kadewere, joining a crowded field of suitors who also include Al-Rayan of Qatar who have reportedly made a “concrete approach” for the striker.
Kadewere’s agent Jihed Taniche said they were talking to several clubs, but the striker hinted that he was keen to stay in France which would alert Ligue 1 side Lyon, who are reportedly also monitoring the player.
Kadewere told Paris-Normandie: “For now I’m just concentrating on Le Havre and this month of January, which promises to be very important for us.
“I’m a player for this team and first of all I’m focusing on the next three matches.
“Anything is possible, if the club gets a nice offer then I’ll reflect.
“But let’s be clear: I have huge respect for Le Havre. I haven’t forgotten and I’ll never forget that this is the club that bought me when I was injured and gave me a chance. So that will feature heavily in my considerations.
“I think it would be difficult for everyone, me first and foremost because I feel at home here now.
“I love this club, I speak French, so leaving now would mean starting all over again in the middle of season. And of course, I know it would be difficult for the club and for the fans.”
Taniche said: “All the scenarios are possible. Tino could very well be transferred and then loaned back to Le Havre to continue until the end of the season.
“We are working in close collaboration with Le Havre to find a solution that will enable to club to achieve its goals. We are talking with some clubs abroad and in Ligue 1.”
The frontman is under contract until 2022, and French media reports say Le Havre’s president made it clear before the winter break that any proposed deal would need to include a loan back option for the rest of the current season as the club chases promotion.
