Mechelen announces Hammers tie-up

  • by Staff Writer
  • Thursday, 28th December 2000

FC Mechelen general manager Gert Lermyt has revealed that his club are looking into the possibility of becoming a feeder club for the Hammers.

Lermyt, who has taken West Ham's Australian centre-back Hayden Foxe on loan until April announced today:

"There are two topics of conversation - one is Hayden Foxe, and the other a possibility of cooperation between the two clubs.

"This will be the first time we will discuss the matter of cooperation between our two clubs. First we have to see if both parties are interested, and then discuss how far we will go.

"The fact is, it is easier in Belgium for non-European footballers to have residence and a work-permit," he added. "That means people from outside of the European community could mature and show their talent in Belgium before being taken by an English club."

Any possible deal would be similar to the agreement currently in operation between Manchester United and Antwerp, whereas the Belgian outfit have taken some of the younger United players - such as Luke Chadwick - on loan before they have progressed to play in the Premiership.

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