Hertha Berlin have admitted defeat in their attempts to keep Czech international Jarosalav Drobny.
Keeper rejects chance to extend stay
Hertha Berlin have admitted defeat in their attempts to keep Czech Republic international keeper Jarosalav Drobny at the club.
The club had offered the 30-year-old lucrative terms to stay with the relegated outfit, but he has refused to accept their offer.
General manager Michael Preetz had been hopeful of reaching a deal, however, he is now on the look out for reinforcements.
The former Fulham and Ipswich keeper is out of contract this summer and is now able to leave on a free transfer.
"We have withdrawn our offer (of a new deal)," Preetz told
kicker-Sportmagazin.
"Jaroslav was unable to accept playing in the second-tier for one season. We had offered him very good terms.
"The goalkeeping position is so important that we're going to need a player that is absolutely behind our task and is ready to accept the challenge that's coming along.
"We actually feel there are plenty of goalkeeping options available and we've started intensive talks with the best of them."
Cologne talk
Drobny's agent Viktor Kolar says the shot-stopper would like to remain in the Bundesliga after turning down offers from two unnamed English sides.
Kolar told Cologne's
Express newspaper: "He loves being in Germany and is keen on remaining in Bundesliga 1. That is why he has already turned down two clubs from England.
"(But) if he is joining a club these days, he will only accept a status as starting goalkeeper."
Kolar added the keeper would be interested in joining Cologne but if he can not secure a Bundesliga side, he will have to look abroad.
"Cologne should think things over, the club would get a fantastic goalkeeper in Jaroslav Drobny, a keeper to build a future with," he added.
"But it is a clear fact, if we can not land Jaroslav a good German club, we will have to look abroad again."
