Germany Bundesliga side, Hamburger SV, have emerged as frontrunners for the services of Kaizer Chiefs defensive midfielder, Willard Katsande.

The Siya crew revealed back in April that an unknown German club were monitoring the combative midfielder, though the interested club has now been named.

This follows a stellar season in which the Zimbabwean international helped Chiefs cruise to a league and Cup double, claiming their award for Most Improved Player.

According to a Siya source, the Germans have already opened negotiations with Chiefs, having been impressed after watching the 27-year-old in league action against SuperSport on 15 May and the 1-0 loss to Pretoria University three days later.

The club’s scouts also watched Chiefs lifting the Nedbank Cup final and had viewed DVDs of the player before making their trip to South Africa.

Katsande, who recently landed back in Zimbabwe for a holiday, says that is flattered by Hamburger’s interest and hopes negotiations between the Germans and Chiefs yield something concrete.

The midfielder told the Siya crew, “Yes I am aware of their interest. It is something that is inspiring when you hear such a club is interested in you. I am now just waiting to hear from my agent the outcome of discussions between the two clubs.

“I think I am ready for new challenges because I played well this past season. I gave it my best shot and if you work hard you will always be rewarded with good things.”

Katsande has been with Chiefs since August 2011, with his contract coming to an end in June next year.