Hoffenheim set Sigurdsson deadline

18 June 2012 16:48

Hoffenheim have given midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson a deadline of June 30 to secure a move to the Barclays Premier League.

The Iceland international had been set to complete a return to Swansea, where he spent the second half of last season on loan, for a club-record £6.8million fee. But the departure of manager Brendan Rodgers to Liverpool halted the deal and Anfield now seems to be his preferred destination.

"If, by the deadline on June 30, he has done nothing then he will return to his pre-season with us," Hoffenheim head coach and former Liverpool defender Markus Babbel said. "We have agreed this with him."

Last week Rodgers admitted he would be interested in signing the midfielder but stressed the player had to first speak to Swansea - who appointed Michael Laudrup as their new boss on Friday.

Sigurdsson's German club, who have started pre-season training, have granted extended leave in order for him to complete a move to England.

"Gylfi Sigurdsson will not be with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for the start of pre-season," said a statement on the club's website.

"He has, after consultation, obtained a prolonged holiday until 30 June.

"The club wants the 22-year-old to continue to secure a future in the Premier League."

Sigurdsson is contracted to Hoffenheim for another two years but despite impressing in his first campaign in 2010/11 he dropped down the pecking order last season, forcing his loan to Swansea where he scored seven goals in 19 appearances.

Source: PA