Zarate agent weighs up bids
15 May 2008 - 09:29:14
Birmingham City's loan striker Mauro Zarate is a target for several other Premier League clubs, following the Blues' relegation from the top-flight.
The 21-year-old Argentinian scored four times in 14 appearances for the Blues following his arrival from Qatari side Al Sadd, impressing with both his skill and commitment.
Zarate's agent, Christian Otero, told BBC Sport: "He's in discussions with two top English sides at the moment.
"Al Sadd had quoted about £20million for him but I think he will go for about £10million. I expect to have more details regarding Mauro's future next week."
Birmingham manager Alex McLeish had earlier admitted that he was disappointed to see his chances of signing Zarate on a permanent basis ended by his side's demotion.
He told the Birmingham Mail: "Mauro's going to be an attractive proposition to Premier League clubs, in fact I know he is.
"I would like to thank him for his spell here and he made an impact, which was never going to be easy.
"It was a little bit of a risk bringing him in from a league where you can get away with things, be lazy and still look like a world-class star. I applaud his spirit, his heart and he will be a good asset to one of the big clubs, if not here then abroad.
"He's a real talent and it's just a shame that our situation counted against us."