Kobe Bryant being courted by Italian club Virtus Bologna
Kobe Bryant: An anonymous source tells The Associated Press that 'an Italian brand well known around the world' is prepared to provide cash for the deal.
This file photo shows Los Angeles Lakers player Kobe Bryant gesturing during a news conference in Makati city east of Manila, Philippines.
Bullit Marquez/AP
ROME
Virtus Bologna has clarified that its top offer to NBA superstar Kobe Bryant is a one-year deal worth $5 million (€3.72 million).
Due to the NBA lockout, Virtus is hoping Bryant agrees to a deal before he arrives in Italy later this week for a tour arranged by one of his sponsors.
An anonymous source within the club who was not permitted to speak publicly because negotiations are ongoing tells The Associated Press that "an Italian brand well known around the world" is prepared to provide cash for the deal.
Other offers on the table include a two-month deal worth nearly $2 million (€1.5 million), a one-month contract for $1.3 million (€1 million) or $900,000 (€670,000) for only one game.