Iranian World Cup stars in focus of European clubs

Persianfootball.com – TEHRAN, Despite a bitter exit with just one point at group stage, Iran’s good display at the FIFA World Cup has sparked interest in some of Iran’s players.

Despite a year left on his contract with relegated FC Fulham, Ashkan Dejagah is eager to leave the club and has already received several offers from England and Germany.

Also quite popular among scouts and managers is striker Reza Ghoochannejhad, who had problems establishing himself at Standard Liege and Charlton Athletic, but is deadly upfront whenever putting on the Iranian national team shirt.

One of Iran’s best at the World Cup, left-back Mehrdad Pouladi, has also confirmed interest from Germany and Spain whereas striking ace Karim Ansarifard is also reportedly having some European options, despite only one substitute appearance at world stage.

Right-winger Khosro Heydari reportedly has attracted German second league side FC Nuremerg as well.

Veteran midfielder Andranik Teymourian’s inspiring display in defensive midfield reportedly has triggered a request from Premier League outfits Sunderland, but like in Heydari’s case, age might be an issue.

Also up for grab are NEC Nijmegen’s winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Sepahan’s allrounder Ehsan Hajsafi, Rubin Kazan goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi, Las Palmas playmaker Masoud Shojaei and Persepolis defensive midfielder Reza Haghighi, but apart from some pre World Cup rumours, no news have been spread about those players yet.

Meanwhile Iran’s biggest talent Sardar Azmoun, who hadn’t made the Iranian World Cup squad, confirmed he will stay with Rubin Kazan for another season – after he had publicly flirted with FC Arsenal last month.