Italian Serie A side Cagliari is looking to sign Japan international Takashi Fukunishi from J. League first-division club Jubilo Iwata, soccer sources said Wednesday.
Jubilo is reluctant to let the 28-year-old defensive midfielder leave but has informed him of an offer from Cagliari and will be holding talks with the player in the coming days.
A firm favorite of national team coach Zico, Fukunishi holds a regular place in the Japan team and has scored six goals in 51 appearances.
He played a key role in helping Zico's side win the Asian Cup in China last summer and also become the first team to join hosts Germany at next year's World Cup finals after winning their penultimate Group B qualifier against North Korea on June 8.