Reports in Japan claim that a number of Japanese clubs will be keeping an eye on Town's out-of-favour Slovenian Amir Karic during this summer's World Cup. Karic previously played for Japanese side Gamba Osaka in season 1997/98.

Gamba are one of the sides said to be looking at the defender or midfielder, while Gary Lineker's old club, Nagoya Grampus Eight, and the Urawa Reds are also said to be watching to see how Karic, available on a free, fares this summer. Slovenia are in Group B along with Paraguay, Spain and South Africa.

Yesterday the Slovenian squad moved their training camp to Seogwipo after they found their original facilities at Jeju had been poorly prepared. Their first game is against Spain in Gwangju on Sunday (KO 12.30pm).

Karic was spotted by George Burley playing for Slovenia at Euro 2000 and moved from NK Maribor for £700,000 in September of that year.

His first season saw him make three sub appearances in the Worthington Cup, and enjoy an unsuccessful spell on loan at First Division Crystal Palace.

This season he was completely out of favour and expressed his frustration in the local press.

Shortly afterwards he was offered a free transfer and eventually ended the season on loan back at NK Maribor, his third spell at the club.

They took the Slovenian title for the sixth year running and Karic did well enough to retain his place in their international squad.

Karic is said to be on £7,000 a week, wages that Town want to rid themselves of, especially now that they are in the Nationwide. Reports have suggested that the club have tried to settle the Slovenian's contract but as yet no agreement has been reached.

The left-sided player was popular during his spell in Japan, earning the nicknames 'Tyson' and 'Bulldozer' for his aggressive displays.

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