European club eyes move for Ecuadorian footballers

Quito: European clubs are lining up a move for skillful Ecuadorian footballers even though the South American country failed to get beyond the group stages of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil.

Enner Valencia, top scorer for the team during the World cup group stages, is hopeful of getting a move to a major European league during the summer window. The 25-year-old forward, who had scored three times in Brazil left his home country to join Mexican side Pachuca in January, has netted 18 goals in 23 appearances for Pachua since signing from Ecuadorian side Emelec. Valencia is prepared to earn a switch to Europe in the near future. It is believed that Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Spanish side Espanyol are lining up a move for him. "I really like Italian football but if this jump to Europe happens, I will welcome it and try to do my best wherever I go," Valencia told local press. Meanwhile, Welsh professional football club Swansea City are targeting Ecuador winger Jefferson Montero. The 24-year-old footballer impressed the club during the World Cup and Swansea City is keen to bring him to the Liberty Stadium this summer. Montero said recently he was hoping to move to Europe from Mexican side Monarcas Morelia and a number of clubs are chasing his signature. Swansea is definitely hoping to win the race for him. "It`s certain that I`ll leave the Mexican league, but let`s see where I`ll go. It will be Europe. We are working on it and I hope it works out," said Montero.