Dutch club FC Twente make offer for Rukavytsya

Australian A-League club Perth Glory said Sunday they had received an offer from Dutch first division club FC Twente for the transfer of their striker Nikita Rukavytsya.

Glory officials said they were examining the offer prior to any negotiations taking place with the Dutch club’s officials.

“At this early stage it is expected that negotiations would occur over several days and the club will make an official announcement at the completion of those discussions,” a Glory spokesman said.

The offer for Rukavytsya arrived just prior to Perth’s match with Queensland Roar in Brisbane on Saturday, but coach David Mitchell said he had no hesitation in giving the youngster what could be a final run in Glory colours.

Rukavytsya scored a goal as Perth went down 4-2 to the Roar.

“Word only came through late today (Saturday) that they (FC Twente) had made an offer and so we weren’t quite sure if he was going to play but he was still our player and he gave everything out there, you could see why he is in demand,” Mitchell said.

“Nikita has a great future in front of him and if the negotiations are successful and he leaves Perth Glory then he will do so with our blessing and the best wishes for a successful career.”

The FC Twente offer comes after the 21-year-old Olympic team striker spent a week on trial there earlier this month.

Rukavytsya played for Australia at last year’s Beijing Olympics and this season has scored 10 goals for Perth.