Bafana Bafana star striker Bernard Parker seems to be close to a move to FC Twente, with a few details needing to be ironed out before an official announcement is likely to be made by the club.

Parker, who was released by Red Star Belgrade after the Serbian club found themselves in financial trouble and could not pay their players, has also sparked interest from an unnamed Spanish side.

Parker was one of the new stars to emerge from the Bafana camp after helping the national squad to finish fourth in last month's Confederations Cup.

Parker's business manager Mike Makaab confirmed that Parker was set to sign his new contract soon.

"Parker played brilliantly in the Confederations Cup," said Makaab. "But what had also enhanced his reputation was the way he finished up at Red Star where after a slow start he scored some cracking goals for them which impressed a lot of European sides."

Makaab said he could not disclose the name of the La Liga side until the deal had been confirmed.

But he added: "I expect a deal to be signed with one of the clubs by the end of the weekend or early next week."

Parker (23) scored both goals in the 2-0 win over New Zealand in the group phase of the Confederations Cup and despite playing as a lone striker against Brazil in the 1-0 loss in the semifinals and in the 3-2 defeat in the third place playoff against Spain, Parker showed he had the appetite and ability to play at international level.

"I reckon Parker's career is about to take off in Europe," said Makaab.

Makaab also said that Parker's Bafana teammate and Golden Arrows defensive midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi will be heading for trials at Fulham in the English Premiership and in Europe as soon as he gets a travelling visa for Europe.

"Dikgacoi impressed Fulham earlier this year and now there are other clubs in Europe interested in his services," he said.

Meanwhile Bafana central defender Nasief Morris, who was axed from the Confederations Cup squad at this 11th hour by head coach Joel Santana for disciplinary reasons is leaving Greek side Panathinaikos.

Morris went on loan from the Greek side to Spanish outfit Recreativo Huelva last season and played in 37 of their 38 league matches in the La Liga. But Recreativo were relegated at end of the season and Makaab said that he was negotiating with another La Liga side.

"Morris will not be going back to Panathinakos or Recreativo. There are other leading sides in Spain that are keen to sign him and I hope to have a deal tied up soon."

Sapa

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