AEK Athens plan to extend Nemeth loan

AEK Athens are hoping to convince Liverpool to extend Krisztian Nemeth's loan stay for a further year.

The 21-year-old Hungarian striker has impressed during an injury-hit season in Greece.

Nemeth has scored three goals in 12 appearances for fourth placed AEK, who complete their league campaign against Asteras Tripoli this weekend.

New AEK president Stavros Adamidis is due to arrive on Merseyside next Tuesday in a bid to secure Nemeth's services for next season.

The Reds signed Sotirios Kyrgiakos from AEK for £2million last August and Adamidis is keen to build on the blossoming links between the clubs.

As well as Nemeth, he is hoping manager Rafa Benitez may allow a number of his other fringe stars to continue their development at the Greek Super League outfit.

Nemeth insists he's just desperate to secure regular first-team football and is happy to do whatever Liverpool decide.

"I have a contract with Liverpool and so AEK must talk to the club," he said.

"If the two clubs reach an agreement, then I'll negotiate with AEK and decide what to do. For me the most important thing is to play.

"The new president told me that he wants to keep me at AEK and that's why he's going to travel to Liverpool.

"I'm fine in Athens but the two clubs must negotiate and make a deal."

Nemeth's appearances have been limited by the fact that he was away with Hungary for a month at the Under-20 World Cup and he has also had two spells out due to injury.

However, he has been a big hit with the supporters who are desperate for the club to ensure he remains in Athens.

Cash-strapped AEK aren't in a position to bid for Nemeth and anyway it's highly unlikely Benitez would agree to sell such a highly-rated youngster.

However, the Spaniard may decide another year away learning his trade would be beneficial.

Nemeth arrived at Anfield from MTK Hungaria in the summer of 2007 after impressing in the previous year's UEFA Under-17 Championships.

He scored twice on his debut for the reserves against Manchester City and went on to help them clinch the national title against Aston Villa in May 2008.

His progress last season was disrupted by a string of injuries and during his first appearance on loan at Blackpool he broke his cheekbone.

Nemeth returned to fitness in time to play a part in the Reds' pre-season preparations and he scored twice against Singapore during the tour of the Far East.

The striker has yet to make his competitive debut for the Reds and has been in Athens since last August.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.