Forward Edward Ofere (26 years) has been declared surplus to requirement at Italian side Lecce.

Lecce have been relegated from the Serie A and could be demoted to Italy's third tier if prosecutors find the team guilty of match fixing in the ongoing investigations.

Relegation to the Serie B has left a hole in Lecce's finances for next season. To stay afloat, the club must part with some players including the Nigeria international Edward Ofere.

Ofere, who is under contract with Lecce until July 30, 2013, has admirers outside Italy. A return to Sweden could be an option for the former Malmo ace.

In a related development, Christian Obodo's loan deal with Lecce has ended. The Giallorossi won't exercise the option of renewing the contract, so he leaves the club as a free agent.

Photo Credit: Lecce