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Parker: Leicester keen on me

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana striker Bernard Parker says he is confident of a move to Championship side Leicester City.

The FC Twente marksman was in England over the past week for a trial with the Foxes and seems to have impressed sufficiently for manager Sven Goran Eriksson to mull an offer.

While the Dutch outfit's asking price for Parker might prove a sticking point, the player is optimistic that the parties can thrash out a deal.

"The trial went very good and they are interested in me," the 24-year-old told this site during an exclusive interview.

"They want to sign me and I think they will sign me. The coach (Eriksson) even said it.

"They are speaking to Twente now and I'm back in the country (Netherlands) at the moment. I'm sure Twente will release me, either on loan or a buyout," he added.

Parker scored in a friendly match against Aston Villa reserves last week and doesn't think a switch to England's second division - instead suggesting it is a gateway to Premier League football.

"I don't think it is a step down. I think it is a good way for me to get to the English Premiership, that's the way I look at it. It is hard in the Championship and I will face some tough and big defenders, which will prepare me for the Premier League," Parker said.

"I know Leicester's ambition is to reach the Premier League and that's why they have been buying some quality players so it will be my way of getting to the top so for me it is not a step down at all. I want to go there and the rest will follow," he added. 
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