Riga deal in hands of lawyers

4:07pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008

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WANDERERS’ hopes of signing Levante striker Mustapha Riga rest in the hands of the player’s lawyers.

The club are continuing to monitor the Dutchman’s efforts to terminate his contract in Spain, where he has not been paid in over nine months.

Cash-strapped Levante have rejected a bid of around £300,000 – but Wanderers are waiting on the progress of the player’s legal team before deciding whether to make another approach.

Riga is hoping to cancel the rest of his two-year deal at Levante by invoking FIFA Article 14 which states: “A contract may be terminated by either party without consequences of any kind (either payment of compensation or imposition of sporting sanctions) where there is just cause.”

His case will be heard by the Spanish FA over the next fortnight.

The dreadlocked striker scored 10 goals in league and cup last season despite Levante’s relegation to the Segunda Division.

He moved to Spain in 2005 after having netted 26 goals in 42 games for Sparta Rotterdam in the Dutch second flight.

Meanwhile, Hull City have turned their attention away from defender Abdoulaye Meite.

The Tigers have launched an official bid for Portsmouth’s Noe Pamarot, who was believed to be their back-up choice, after being priced out of the race for the Wanderers man.