Scharner targets England stay

Paul Scharner: The Austrian has issued a 'come-and-get-me' plea to Premier League clubs after West Brom deal runs out

Paul Scharner admits calling time on his Premier League career would be upsetting but has not ruled out a move away.

The 32-year-old is looking for a new club after his two-year contract at West Brom ran out in the summer.

The Austrian was unable to secure a one-year extension to his deal at The Hawthorns after failing to break through the 25-game barrier that would have triggered a new deal.

But Scharner remains hopeful that he will be able to extend his stay in England and says he will wait for a couple of weeks before deciding on his future.

"I am hoping very much to stay in England," he told the Wigan Evening Post. "I have spent six-and-a-half very happy years here since joining Wigan, and I have made a lot of friends in the game.

Decision

"I made my name here, and I've made more than 200 games in the Premier League.

"I would be sad to have to go and it would be hard, but I also know that anything is possible and I may have to move elsewhere.

"The plan was always to wait for the Euros to finish, wait for another couple of weeks and then make a decision.

"By the middle of July I should be ready to say where I will play my football next season.

"Everything is possible. I'm not worried what might or might not happen at all because these things happen in football.

"The career of a footballer is changeable and you have to be prepared to go where the work is."