Greeks... hot commodities

Unheralded a month ago, Greek players are suddenly Europe's hottest soccer commodities and many of the national squad at Euro 2004 are eyeing lucrative moves abroad.

Scouts from major clubs are expected at today's semi-final after flooding Greek reporters covering the team in Portugal with calls over the past 10 days.

Domestic Greek soccer is in disarray because of huge financial, organisational and crowd problems, and many of the squad are eager to get away. Eight of the 23-man unit already play for foreign clubs.

Yourkas Seitaridis is expected to move to Porto after the tournament after signing a three-year deal worth an estimated three million euros.

Looking at any reasonable offers will be the squad's five players from AEK Athens which is trying to avoid financial collapse. Captain Theodoros Zagorakis, Costas Katsouranis, Michalis Kapsis, Vassilis Lakis and Vassilis Tsartas have not been paid in months, and their performances at this tournament will have improved their chances of a move.

Midfielder Angelos Basinas can expect good news on his return to Panathinaikos who has been fielding offers for him for months.