AMSTERDAM — Houston Dynamo defender Andrew Hainault is drawing attention from overseas, MLSsoccer.com has learned, but his agent says the Canada international would prefer to extend his MLS stay.
A report out of France on Tuesday indicated that the 25-year-old Quebec native is drawing attention from several European clubs, including Ligue 1 side Bordeaux, Spanish side Mallorca, Portuguese club Braga and Belgian club Anderlecht, where US international Sacha Kljestan currently plays. However, Hainault's rep asserted that he's had no contact with clubs in Belgium, Portugal or Spain, and a source at Anderlecht told MLSsoccer.com they were not currently chasing the player.
"There is some interest in France and in Germany," Andreas Kirsch told MLSsoccer.com, shooting down parts of the report. "But nothing concrete at the moment. First of all, he has to win the final and score more goals. His plan A is to expand his contract with Houston. Plan B would be to see what options there are in Europe."
The Dynamo are preparing to face the LA Galaxy in the MLS Cup on Nov. 20. Hainault, whose current contract runs through the end of the 2012 season, has scored two goals in Houston’s playoff run — half his total tally in 79 regular-season MLS matches.
"Andre is under contract through 2012,” Dynamo president Chris Canetti told MLSsoccer.com on Tuesday afternoon when asked about the report. “He will be part of our club next year, and it is our hope and intention to retain his services beyond that. He has been a terrific player on the field and is great in the dressing room and the community."
