Thursday, June 21, 2012

Sigurdsson Free To Talk Terms

Gylfi Sigurdsson has been granted a fortnight's leave by Bundesliga employers Hoffenheim to try and push through a move to England.

The Iceland international is keen to secure a permanent switch to the Premier League after shining during a loan spell at Swansea last season.

He linked up with the Swans in January and starred for Brendan Rodgers' side as they preserved their top flight status in style.

Swansea made it clear that they were keen to do a deal, and a club record transfer fee was agreed with Hoffenheim.

Rodgers has, however, since vacated his post at the Liberty Stadium and inherited the managerial reins at Liverpool.

The Reds are now considered to be firm favourites to secure Sigurdsson's signature.

A confusing transfer saga remains up in the air, though, and Hoffenheim have allowed the 22-year-old midfielder to take a 'prolonged holiday' in an effort to put an agreement in place.

A statement released by the German outfit read: "Gylfi Sigurdsson will not be with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for the start of pre-season. He has, after consultation, obtained a prolonged holiday until 30th June.

"The club wants the 22-year-old to continue to secure a future in the Premier League."

Hoffenheim head coach Markus Babbel added: "Gylfi wants to stay in England and is in negotiations there. Thus, it makes no sense for both sides for him to return to Hoffenheim, perhaps only for a few days."

Babbel has, however, made it clear that Sigurdsson will be expected back in Germany if no deal is arranged before the end of June.

He said: "If, by the deadline on 30th June, he has done nothing, then he is here and will return to his pre-season with us. We have agreed this with him."

No comments: