Stallion: We still own Sanchez

CLAIMING that his team still has rights over Spanish striker Rufo Sanchez, coach Ernie Nierras of United Football League champion Stallion said he is willing to listen for offers from teams wanting the services of last season’s league top scorer.

With the UFL Cup less than two months away, teams are shoring up their rosters and Sanchez, who scored 18 goals last season, could be the biggest player available in the market.

“He is still a Stallion player and we are waiting for offers from clubs that are interested in acquiring him,” said Nierras, who steered Stallion to a rare Cup and League double for the first time last season.

“So far, nobody has talked to me (regarding Rufo). We don’t understand why everybody is assuming that he’s no longer with the team,” added Nierras, whose squad has started preparations for the coming season with a training camp in Iloilo.

But Sanchez, who is still taking a break in Spain, announced on Twitter that he is now a free agent, insisting that his contract with Stallion ended last week.

The Spanish striker was loaned to Global for a month last July, seeing action in the Singapore Cup, where he scored two goals in the two-leg quarterfinal duel against DPMM Brunei.

Global has actually expressed interest in acquiring Sanchez on a permanent deal.

“If he’s a free agent, then we are interested in getting his services,” said Global owner Dan Palami.

“He can be a big help to the team as seen in the Singapore Cup and with Global preparing for more tournaments overseas, he will certainly play an important role for us if we sign him.”