Hibs star Riordan's Wage call too high for US suitors

American club Houston Dynamo have told Hibs striker Derek Riordan he'll have to drop his wage demands if he is to clinch a move to Major League Soccer.

Riordan rebuffed an approach from the Texan outfit before their April transfer deadline, adamant he was content to see out the season in Edinburgh.

But, as the Evening News revealed, they have continued to keep tabs on the 28-year-old's situation after he disclosed he's intent on quitting Easter Road after his current contract ends tomorrow. However, Dynamo flatly rejected claims they'd made a second offer of a three-year deal although president Chris Canetti has admitted the door is still open if Riordan's demands change.

Canetti said: "I think it's been publicised and understood that we had conversations with him, but we weren't able to come to an agreement."

English clubs Blackburn Rovers, Crystal Palace and Watford are all said to be keeping tabs on Riordan who ended the season as Hibs' top scorer with 11 goals, but Dynamo remain interested. Canetti said: "I will confirm that we've been in touch with his agents. We've been in touch, but they haven't communicated that anything has changed at this point and we certainly have not made another offer."

The MLS transfer window opens again in July and Dynamo, without a win in six matches this month, have stated they could make a summer move if the deal is right.

Canetti, however, admitted the gap between Dynamo and Riordan remains too great at present and will have to close if an agreement is to be reached.

He told MLSsoccer.com: "We decided the first time that we were too far apart and there has been nothing yet to indicate that we're any closer than last time.

"Unless the circumstances have changed, I'm not sure anything can happen."