by Greg Seltzer for Soccer365

Free agent left back Heath Pearce will have clubs from five European countries watching when he starts CONCACAF Gold Cup play with the U.S. National Team on Saturday, Soccer365 has learned.

While a traditional Eredivisie sub-topper with longstanding contact has shuffled its feet on an expected offer, rival suitors have popped up across both central Europe and Scandinavia.

"He has interest from Denmark, Sweden, the second Bundesliga and from one of the top teams in Austria," his agent, Lyle Yorks, told Soccer365.

"There is still a Dutch team we're talking to, but there they have a minimum salary (for non-European Union players of nearly a half million Euros per season) issue."

Whether the Eredivisie side are trying to find money in the wage budget or simply keeping an eye out for a thriftier option remains to be seen, but any strong Pearce showings at Gold Cup could suddenly crowd the negotiating table.

Pearce, the 2006 SAS Liga Defender of the Year with FC Nordsjælland, appeared in 19 Bundesliga games and 12 2.Bundesliga contest in two season with Hansa Rostock.

Soccer365 reporter Greg Seltzer blogs daily over at No Short Corners.

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