Serie A champions begin negotiations for resurgent Super Eagles star Maduka Okoye

Serie A champions Inter are reportedly in negotiations to sign Udinese's Nigerian international goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.

The 24-year-old shot-stopper, valued at €12m, has caught the attention of the Nerazzurri as they seek a younger replacement for Yann Sommer.

Despite not starting the 2023/24 season as Udinese's first-choice goalkeeper, Okoye played a crucial role in securing the team's safety in Serie A on the final matchday of the season.

Okoye, who will turn 25 in August, has 16 senior caps for Nigeria and is under contract with Udinese until June 2027. This season, he made 22 appearances across Serie A and the Coppa Italia helping Udinese escape relegation by two points.

According to Sky Sport Italia's transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Inter are in talks with Udinese to finalise the deal for Okoye this summer.

The asking price of €12m plus add-ons is a sticking point, but Inter are attempting to negotiate a lower fee. If the transfer goes through, Okoye would join Inter as a potential long-term successor to Yann Sommer, reinforcing the club's goalkeeping options for the future.