Just how desperate is Ulises De la Cruz?

He told Bill, "It is a very frustrating time for me, the manager has not given me the chance to prove myself - and he has said that I can't leave on a free transfer.

"It is difficult for me therefore because I have five or six months left on my contract and no-one will pay ?200,000. That is impossible for five months. I need to make a decision this week.

"I only care to leave because of the World Cup and my family. And I need to get the manager to understand my situation and let me leave on a free."

The reported fee of ?200,000 slapped on the head of the Ecuadorian legend doesn't seem that difficult to come up with especially when you consider there are an apparent host of clubs interested in the player from Scotland, Spain, Germany and Leeds.

If the player is desperate to leave surely a deal can be done if the player is willing to assist any future employer in agreeing to the price - ?200,000 over a two year contract, at 31 the player can surely expect a further two years (especially if he plays in Scotland) is less than ?2,000 a week. Maybe De la Cruz should look at accepting a reduced wage with a bonus scheme on top based on performances, appearances or goals?

Either that or he just waits until his contract expires in the summer and leaves on a free - he'll still be paid by Villa, thought to be around ?300,000 for the remainder of his contract and by all accounts he's assured a place in the the World Cup squad for Ecuador as long as he's fit.

I like De la Cruz, I think he's put in every effort whenever called upon but if he's that desperate to leave and Villa only want ?200,000 the ball is very firmly in his court. Maybe the sticking point is his agents unwillingness to lose out a potential 15% or maybe De la Cruz isn't actually that desperate?

Football is a funny business.