Napoli take Udinese and Torino target Ostigard off the market

Napoli have decided not to let Leo Ostigard leave in the closing days of the January transfer window, forcing Torino and Udinese to look elsewhere.

The 24-year-old Norwegian defender was being targeted by the two clubs, both of whom made contact with the Partenopei to explore loan moves this month. Torino are looking for cover after Alessandro Buongiorno’s serious injury, whilst Udinese need a replacement for Nehuen Perez.

Walter Mazzarri started Ostigard in Napoli’s Serie A clash with Lazio on Sunday evening and the defender impressed, earning praise from the club’s fans on social media after the match. It was his first start in almost two months.

As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, Napoli have decided not to sell Ostigard in the final days of this transfer window, convinced to keep him in Mazzarri’s squad for the second half of this season.

Torino and Udinese now need to look elsewhere, and the two clubs are competing to sign Salernitana’s Matteo Lovato, who is expected to make his decision in the coming hours.