Jesse Van Strattan... lol
According to sources in Spain, the former Juventus keeper is being looked at by the Poles at their Spanish training camp ahead of the resumption of the Polish league following a mid-season break.
He is understood to have taken to the field between the sticks for a friendly against Spartak Moscow this week in a game which ended in a 1-1draw after Vanstrattan conceded a goal in the 24th minute.
Vanstrattan was one of the first players to sign for the Gold Coast. But if the Central Coast-born former Joeys keeper impresses with the Polish Ekstraklasa club, it could be another hassle for Clive Palmer's franchise following the very public Shane Smeltz to Turkey saga.
Vanstrattan was plunged into controversy earlier in his career when his club Verona released him from his contract to return to Australia for personal reasons. Shortly after, however, he signed a contract with Juventus.
Verona took the case to a hearing and forced the Aussie to rejoin the club and join Juve on loan.
Polish press have hailed Vanstrattan as a possible rival to prospective Slovak international signing Lubos Hajduch who is also being lined up to be the sticksman at the White Star club. Lazio glovesman Emanuele Concetti is also flying out to the Spanish camp for a trial.
Gold Coast have also signed keeper Scott Higgins for their crack at the A-League season five. Coincidentally, fellow Gold Coast United signing Michael Thwaite is a former Wilsa Krakow player.
A club spokesman insisted Vanstrattan would be back to join the club at the start of the A-League season and any trial was simply to keep him match fit as part of a loan deal until the end of the season or as part of the train on squad.
"Jess is in Europe finalising some personal matters ," said the spokesman.
"It was agreed prior to his departure that if an opportunity with a club arose, to aid his fitness and sharpness until the end of the European season, then he was free to explore that opportunity.
"We must stress however, to prevent any ambiguity or innuendo, that he will be returning to Australia to commence his contract with us as arranged."
Scottishbhoy2009-02-14 09:16:14