Approximately 24 hours after being told by VfL Wolfsburg he is surplus to requirements, Danish forward Nicklas Bendtner has been linked to a move to Chinese Second Division club FOO Asprill.

A big move
Popular European players are increasingly being targeted by the Asian country’s clubs, but FOO would appear to have even bigger ambitions, as its chairman Faustino Asprilla is rumoured to be in talks with none other than Alex Ferguson.

Recent reports have suggested the former Manchester United supremo might be interested in a return to management, and it would explain why he yesterday defended Bendtner over his timekeeping.

“In this case I would suggest there was more time on the clock, and that he has been hard done by,” he told Soccer Today Bi-monthly.

“Lateness is a strong word. I would prefer to regard him as the kind of player who simply knows how to time his runs into the box.”

FOO is owned by Mercedes, and the German car manufacturer is said to be particularly excited about signing the Dane and also Joleon Lescott, the Aston Villa defender, and several others in the twilights of their careers.

Small concerns
“Obviously, moving to China would be a big honour. I have nothing but respect for the Chinese people,” Bendtner told Soccer Today Bi-monthly.

“Of course, I’m sure my height will prove to be an advantage.”

Left out of the recent Danish squad for the internationals against Iceland and Scotland, the striker is confident the move won’t jeopardise his chances of a recall.

“Sometimes you’ve got to put your hands up and take the blame, and I’m sure it won’t be long before Arsenal, Wolfsburg and the new Danish coach realise what they’re missing out on.”