Energie Cottbus in the German Bundesliga said it is willing to offer Chinese soccer player Shao Jiayi a new contract if he can't find a suitable club to join this winter, Beijing-based The First reported today.

Rumors have circulated that Shao could join either Birmingham City or Reading in England, the report said.

Both clubs refused to comment on the possible move.

The attacking midfielder still has half a year remaining on his contract with Cottbus.

The player's stock rose over the weekend after he scored a last-second equalizer for Cottbus.

Cottbus brought on Shao Jiayi with six minutes remaining in a match against Leverkusen on Saturday. Shao headed in Ervin Skela's corner from the near post with only seconds left in added-time to earn Cottbus a 1-1 draw.

German football magazine Kicker praised Shao's outstanding performance and put him on its list of best players for the week.

Energie Cottbus' manager joked with German media that Shao was worth 1 million euros (US$1.4 million) after he scored the goal, The First said.

(Shanghai Daily December 17, 2008)