Christoph Kramer unlikely to leave Gladbach for Napoli

Only two days ago, we learned that Napoli were close to a deal for Christoph Kramer, currently with Borussia Mönchengladbach. Apparently the midfielder had already given his ok on the matter, and Napoli would just need to come to terms with Bayer Leverkusen, Kramer's parent club.

And that looks like it's not going to happen. Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Völler spoke to the Rheinische Post about the potential transfer, and essentially dismissed the idea, saying the speculation was just rumors. He stated that Kramer would play another year for Gladbach, and after that would return to Leverkusen, where he is an important part of the club's plans.

Of course, just because a club says a transfer isn't going to happen doesn't mean the transfer actually won't happen. In fact, often it seems as though the minute an official says a player isn't for sale, everything clicks into high gear, and the next week he's holding up a shirt boasting another team's colors.

In other words, welcome to the silly season. Don't get your hopes up too high when it comes to Kramer, but there''s still the chance that the talented, experienced, hopefully-not-concussed, good-haired youngster will join Napoli.