Bochum in rush to sign Cameroon star Kalla (22.05.2002)
Newly-promoted Bundesliga side Bochum have revealed they are close to signing Cameroon star Raymond Kalla.
The 27-year-old, a vital cog in national coach Winfried Schafer`s defence, is available on a free transfer after completing his contract with Spanish second-division side Extremadura.
Kalla has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce as well as several unnamed British clubs, but Bochum coach Peter Neururer believes his club are close to completing the most spectacular transfer in their history.
"We want him and
he wants to join us. There`s only some paperwork to settle," he said on Tuesday.
Bochum are afraid that a strong showing at the World Cup would see Kalla`s wage demands increase and are keen to tie up the deal before Cameroon fly out to Japan.
"We are hopeful and could get his final OK in the next hours," director of sport Heinz Knuwe said after leading the negotiations in Paris.
The Cameroon squad fly out to the Far East on Wednesday and take on the Republic of Ireland, Germany and Saudi Arabia in World Cup Group E.
