Monday 27-01-03 21:39

ACUÑA FLIES BACK TO CHILE (BUT FOR HOW LONG?)

Feyenoord manager Jan D. Swart has confirmed that the club are set to open negotiations with Universidad Catolica with a view to landing Jorge 'Kike' Acuña. The 24-year-old midfielder recently impressed in three games during a two-week trial that took him to Spain and Scotland. While the two clubs talk Acuña will wait at home in Chile, where he’ll have to apply for a provisional residence permit if the transfer gets the green light.

Acuña was at the Kuip last Saturday morning to say farewell, ‘but I hope to return as soon as possible,’ Acuña said. Just how long that will be is uncertain. ‘It depends on Universidad Catolica’s reaction to the offer Feyenoord will be making,’ manager Jan D. Swart revealed. ‘Clearly Van Marwijk is impressed by Acuña. But it’s also clear that Feyenoord has to be very careful about buying players at the moment, considering the current state of the market.’ Any contract for Acuña will not affect the club’s interest in FC Twente midfielder Simon Cziommer. ‘This player is transfer free at the end of the season. Feyenoord will open talks with him and his agent in the week,’ Swart confirmed.