Dundee United striker Francisco Sandaza could be heading back to Spain if interest in him from his homeland is firmed up.
La Liga teams Getafe and Racing Santander are understood to be keen on the man who many still regard as the Tangerines’ top forward, despite his injury problems.
Getafe expressed an interest in Sandaza 12 months ago but their plans to table an offer were put on hold when the Spaniard picked up a double hernia that kept him on the sidelines for most of last season.
Sandaza is back in Spain working to get fully fit for the start of pre-season, but since he has just a year left on his United deal clubs in his homeland are aware of his availability.
The Tangerines are keen to hold on to the player and will seek a sizeable transfer fee before even considering letting him go.
Manager Peter Houston is relaxed about the situation, with no offers having yet been lodged for any of his stars.
He said, “That may change you never know but at the moment we have had no contact from other clubs.”
Meanwhile, Houston has congratulated goalkeeper Dusan Pernis on making it into Slovakia’s final 23-man World Cup squad.
Pernis will be fighting it out with Legia Warsaw keeper Jan Mucha and Dusan Kuciak, of Romanian club Vaslui, for the gloves when the action starts in South Africa, with Mucha believed to be the preferred number one.Pernis’ World Cup hopesEven if he is on the bench, though, Pernis’ inclusion is a massive boost to both player and club.
Houston said, “We are all delighted for Dusan to get this recognition and it caps off what has been a fantastic season for him.
“He only joined the club in January but straight away we knew we had a top-class goalkeeper on our hands.”
He added, “Dusan is confident in his own ability and if he gets a game I’m sure he will do himself and his country proud.
“All the players, staff and everyone else at Tannadice will be rooting for him.”
Pernis’ involvement in South Africa will also bring a cash bonus to United.
FIFA are paying $1600 per day (approximately £1200) to each domestic club for each player in the tournament.
The money starts to accrue 15 days before the start of the finals and finishes one day after the said player’s participation ends.