The 29-years-old Japanese international striker voiced his enthusiasm for the Red Star Belgrade interest, as he needs bigger challenges than those in Japan's first division league.

Kashima Antlers Board Director Mitsuru Suzuki told Japanese media that the Club is interested in this deal, as long as the financial demands and other terms are met.

English soccer fans, such as those of West-Ham, link the Red Star Belgrade's move to sign-up Takayuki Suzuki with their intention to release their star player Nikola Zigic at the end of the season.

Mitsuru Suzuki gave the go-ahead for talks to start with the Serbian Club. "We are looking at the matter positively and plan to send a document shortly to Red Star to notify them of our intention to hold talks over the offer for Suzuki," he said.

"What's at stake is whether we can reach an agreement on financial and other terms. We'd like to get it done as soon as possible."

Meanwhile, the player was happy for the deal as he needs more competitive challenges in order to convince Japan's Coach Zico that he deserves a call-up for the World Cup Finals Squad.

"I'm very interested in the offer and have already told Kashima about what I'm feeling. I want to play for overseas clubs while I can and experience a lot more things," the player said.

Takayuki Suzuki has played for Izumioka Jr High, Hitachi Tec High, Kashima Antlers, Rio De Janeiro FC (Brazil), Kashima Antlers, JEF United Ichihara, CFZ do Rio (Brazil), Kashima Antlers, Kawasaki Frontale, Kashima Antlers and Racing Genk, since his debut appearance with Kashima Antlers on the 16th of October 1996.

His skills on the pitch and especially his impressive performance during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea / Japan, have won him great respect among Japanese fans, who have nicknamed him as the "blonde bomber" and the "wonder boy".

In his 54 caps with the Japanese national football team, he has scored 11 goals, but was troubled by injury problems. Before returning to the Kashima Antlers he played in Belgium's Clubs Genk and Heusden-Zolder where his performances did not meet expectation.

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