Croatia centre-back Josip Simunic is actively seeking a move away from Hertha Berlin.
Defender wants transfer after rift with coach
Croatia centre-back Josip Simunic wants to leave Hertha Berlin after a falling-out with coach Lucien Favre.
The 31-year-old is contracted at the club until 2011 but has a release clause that would allow him to leave this summer.
Favre had reportedly doubted Simunic's ability to repeat his good form of last season during the upcoming campaign.
The player's agent, Gordon Stipic, is adamant that his client will not be at Hertha Berlin much longer.
"I am 100 per cent sure Simunic has to leave, there is no basis for co-operation and the decision is not negotiable," he told
Bild.
Best to Leave
Simunic himself also doubts if staying at the club would be a wise choice given the circumstances.
"If they do not believe in me and if they feel I cannot show my best any more, then clearly it is best to leave," he said.
However, Hertha Berlin general manager Michael Preetz claims that the rumours of a rift are false and Favre still holds Simunic in high regard.
"Those stories doing the rounds are actually untrue. The manager wants to keep Joe Simunic and regards him a key player," Preetz added.
Rival Bundesliga clubs, as well as teams in the Premier League and Serie A, are rumoured to be interested in signing the defender.
