LATVIAN striker Andrejs Stolcers,
who agreed to join Fulham last week, has revealed that Premiership side Southampton
offered him a trial at The Dell last season.
Stolcers is currently on loan at Spartak Moscow in Russia, until he completes
his £2 million switch from Shakhtar Donetsk to Craven Cottage, but he has admitted
that the decision to join Jean Tigana's side was a very difficult one to make.
"It was not an easy decision for me," said the 26-year-old. "I was quite satisfied
at Spartak Moscow.
"On the other hand, I was not sure that the Russian champions will need me
next season, and Fulham made me a serious offer, a four-year contract."
Stolcers had been linked with a number of Premiership clubs prior to signing
a deal with Fulham, and he was offered the chance to earn a move to England
with The Saints last season, but his coach at the time refused that initial
request.
"I heard about the interest from English clubs in me about a year ago," he
added. "In mid-season, Southampton invited me for trials. But Anatoli Byshovets,
who coached Shakhtar at that time, wanted me to stay in Donetsk."
Stolcers will play his final game for Spartak Moscow against Arsenal in the
Champions League on Wednesday and will then, subject to him being granted a
work permit, he will join up with Fulham next week.