Matlaba heading for Europe?

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates defender Thabo Matlaba has been linked with a move to Europe, with Germany and the Netherlands possible destinations.

The Tembisa-born 27-year-old has been with the Buccaneers since 2012; the former Free State Stars full-back having also established himself as a regular in the South Africa national team.

The full-back would likely fetch a decent asking price after having signed a five-year contract extension with the Sea Robbers as recently as October this year.

According to the Goal website, a Pirates official says the club could be readying themselves to allow one of their prized assets to move on to one of Europe’s bigger leagues, with interest already having apparently been shown in the player.

"Some European clubs from Holland and Germany want Thabo, despite having extended his contract with the club in the last couple of months," the source was quoted as saying.

"Thabo has done really in last two years for both Bafana and the club, so this doesn't come as a surprise. The club management is well aware of interest from abroad in Thabo.

"The club is prepared to sell him abroad, if the interested club do things professionally. Just like the Belgian club (KV Oostende) did with Andile (Jali)."