CUPER KEEN TO SEAL ZAHOVIC DEAL

The Slovenian international who impressed during Euro 2000 announced last week he had agreed the terms of a deal with the Spanish side, but he was waiting for the two clubs to agree a deal.

"Zahovic will be a very important signing for us," said Cuper. "I just hope I hear soon that the transfer has been completed. I know the negotiations are well advanced."

Zahovic netted three times for his national side during the European Championships and this generated interest from a number of clubs throughout Europe, and Cuper was quick to acknowledge the player's talents.

"I prefer to talk about team players rather than stars but he does have a high level of individual talent," added Cuper. "He can play behind the strikers and that's a style that can be very useful in certain matches."