THE January transfer window clock is winding down for Mamelodi Sundowns star Khama Billiat as the midnight deadline looms.
The want-away midfielder has until today to secure a dream overseas move or see out the rest of his contract with the Brazilians.
The Zimbabwean international has been hankering for a move away from the Tshwane giants since the beginning of the season.
Together with Percy Tau, Billiat has been linked with a move overseas and, according to recent reports, he could be on his way to Europe.
Locally, Billiat has attracted the interest of Orlando Pirates but he is reportedly keen for a move overseas, where Azerbaijan side Qarabag FK are said to be waiting for him.
The lesser known Azerbaijan Premier League, in more obscure Eastern Europe, may not be an ideal destination for the 27-year-old looking to further his career abroad.
But the club is understood to be keen on cashing in on the player, who has been value for money since he joined in a megabucks transfer from Ajax Cape Town five years ago.
The Brazilians are, however, unlikely to release Tau, who has received offers from Russia and Denmark.
Downs coach Pitso Mosimane has referred questions about Billiat to the club’s board, which handles transfer matters.
“Percy will always be of interest. For a player of his age who’s also doing well, there’ll always be keen teams in Europe,” said Mosimane.
“But you’ve got understand, not all teams in Europe pay better than Sundowns. And as I said, I want Percy to go to one of the top five in Europe and represent us well there. Let’s have a player in the Uefa Champions League from South Africa. We are missing that.
“Let’s have the players playing in the group stages like Dino Ndlovu, like when we had Steven Pienaar playing for Ajax Amsterdam and Dortmund, and Benni (McCarthy) at Porto, not Denmark or Sweden. Some teams in Sweden, I believe we can beat them.”
Quizzed on last-minute signings, he said: “We are done with signings, unless someone comes with a free clearance. But we don’t have any specific targets.”
