Kula expressed their interest on Gao in a fax sent to Yatai during the just-ended seven-day May Day holiday, saying that their senior officials were deeply impressed by Gao's performance in the home game against Shandong Luneng last season.

In a telephone interview with Xinhua, Gao said: "When I first heard the news, I was surprised, but now I am quite looking forward to playing aboard. I am young and this is really a precious opportunity."

Hajduk, now staying in the middle of the table of the Serbia Superliga, hoped that Gao could be loaned to Serbia and then join them permanently¹.

Gao, who stands 1.85 meters, was the top scorer of the Chinese second division league and helped his club win a promotion² to the top flight league in 2001.

The 24-year-old, who has spent most of this season on bench, said he is not sure whether his club will let him go.

"The final decision will probably be made in June," he said.