Germans target Niculae

Caley face fight to keep hold of Romanian

Last updated: 18th July 2008

Germans target Niculae

Niculae: In demand

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Inverness Caledonian Thistle striker Marius Niculae is a target for German side Kaiserslautern.

The German club have made an enquiry about the availability of Romanian star Niculae.

Inverness are facing a fight to keep hold of Niculae and have already turned down two bids from Turkish outfit Kayserispor and Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki.

Jags director of football Graeme Bennett confirmed Kaiserslautern had expressed their interest in Niculae.

Inquiry

"We have had an inquiry from Kaiserslautern. They have not made a bid although they said they were going to," Bennett told the Press & Journal.

"I met with Marius last week and I said I would keep him abreast of any interest in him. I told him we received two offers and I did not think they were acceptable and he was quite happy with that.

"He played in Germany before and teams know him.

"He has played in the SPL for a season and I don't think it would be a big gamble for a team in Germany to take him, although we are not under any pressure to sell him.

"We have made a huge financial commitment with Marius and we want to make our money back.

"If no-one comes up with a realistic offer we will keep him for a second year and he is factored into our budget for this season.

"The transfer window runs until August 31 and we may have to wait until then."

Bennett also revealed the club are chasing unsettled Hearts forward Calum Elliott.

"We have made a couple of inquiries about forwards and we are waiting for them to get back to us. Calum Elliott is still very much in the picture," added Bennett.

No deal

Meanwhile, Inverness have confirmed they will not be offering trialist Sean Evans a deal at the club.

Evans, who is looking for a new club after being released by Manchester United, played on a friendly in midweek for Caley, but he did not do enough to manager Craig Brewster.

"Manager Craig Brewster has decided against offering ex-Manchester United player Sean Evans a contract with ICT," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The Welsh Under-21 international has been on trial with the club for the past week, playing against Clach on Saturday and featuring for 65 minutes in the 3-2 defeat to Ross County.

"Everyone at ICT wishes Sean the best of luck for the future."