Skysports.com understands former Arsenal defender Efstathios Tavlaridis is ready to make a return to England.
Defender set to leave St Etienne
Skysports.com understands former Arsenal defender Efstathios Tavlaridis is ready to make a return to England.
Tavlaridis is out of contract in the summer with St Etienne and a number of Premier League clubs are believed to be prepared to offer him a route back to England.
The 29-year-old spent three years at Arsenal but failed to establish himself in the first-team due to the form of the likes of Sol Campbell and Martin Keown.
The Greek stopper moved to Lille in 2004 and he proved to be a major success at the club, helping them qualify for the UEFA Champions League.
After three successful seasons with Lille, Tavlaridis moved on to St Etienne and with his deal due to expire at the end of the season he is now hoping to win a move back to the Premier League.
"I have enjoyed my time in France with Lille and St Etienne, but I would like to try my luck again in England," Tavlaridis told
skysports.com.
Experience
"I did not have much of a chance at Arsenal because of the players in front of me and I had to leave.
"I feel I am a better player now having had the experience of playing in the Champions League for Lille.
"I am out of contract in June and I would love to have the chance to play in England again.
"I feel I could do a good job for anyone in the Premier League as I am a stronger and more experienced player.
Tavlaridis' agent, Willie McKay, believes a deal could be struck in January to bring the player back to England.
"Stathis is very keen to come back to England as he feels he did not get a chance at Arsenal," McKay told
skysports.com.
"Stathis is out of contract in June and I am sure we can secure a passage back to England for him in January for a minimum fee as St Etienne would prefer not to lose him for nothing in the summer."
