PFDC - TEHRAN, If asked where in the Iranian national the most room for improvement lies, many Iranian fans would point at the central striker's position.

An exciting option for that spot could be Reza Ghoochannehjad, the 24-year-old striker of recently relegated Belgian Jupiler League club Sint Truiden.

While Sint Truiden had a very disappointing season, Ghoochannejhad, impressed crowds, reporters and scouts with 11 goals in 21 appearances for the desolate club.

Ghoochannejhad, nicknamed 'Gucci', was born in Mashad, Iran in 1987, however, moved to the Netherlands with his family where he finally landed in Heerenveen's youth team.

After failing to break into their first team, the then 18-year-old had unimpressive loan spells in the Dutch second league before landing a permanent deal with Go Ahead Eagels there in 2009.

Just six months and ten games but six goals later, Ghoochannejhad was transferred to Cambuur Leeuwarden, also in second league, where he scored 15 goals in 37 games and finally joined Belgian first league outfits Sint Truiden in summer 2011.

The natural leftfooter, who also is amazingly strong with his right foot, couldn't save the club from relegation though, also due to two injury spells - the latter preventing him from playing more than a few minutes in Sint Truiden's relegation playoffs.

The speedy and versatile forward, who feels comfortable in the target striker position as well as on both wings, has sparked interest from many Belgian and Dutch clubs, with Europa League hopefuls Standard Liege seemingly being the front runners in the bid for Ghoochannejhad at the moment.

However, also FC Cologne reportedly are seeking Gucci's services, who holds both the Iranian as well as the Dutch citizenship, as replacement for future Arsenal striker Lukas Podolski, however, the club's recent relegation to Bundesliga 2 might have put an end to that plan.

Iran boss Carlos Queiroz had already been in Belgium three times to observe Reza Ghoochannejhad and to also hold talks with him and Iranian papers are full of reports indicating the 24-year-old could join Team Melli in the coming weeks already.

Name: Reza Ghoochannejhad

Date of birth (age): September 20, 1987 (24)
Current club: Sint Truiden VV
Height: 180 centimeters; 5''11''
Position: Forward, Winger

Market value: 1.200.000€ (1.570.000$)

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Team Melli future probability: 90% - Ghoochannejhad is a full Iranian, born in Mashad and has no chances to ever break into the Dutch national team. Carlos Queiroz could need a quality striker and has visited and observed Ghoochannejhad repeatedly already. Many sources report about the striker's interest to join Team Melli should all administrative issues be cleared, whereas other reports say all those issues, including military service, have already been dealt with. All in all, it is very likely to see Ghoochanejhad in Iran's jersey soon - probably already in the World Cup qualifiers in June.


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