Kermit Erasmus is the subject of a surprise transfer bid from Swedish league leaders IFK Gothenburg, who have made a formal offer to Orlando Pirates for the services of the striker.

The 25-year-old was a late withdrawal from Pirates' Carling Black Label Cup line-up against Kaizer Chiefs at the weekend with a hamstring injury.

Gothenburg sporting director Mats Gren did not deny his team's interest in Erasmus when contacted by Sowetan yesterday, saying only he "could not comment" on the pending transfer.

Gothenburg have offered an undisclosed sum to the Buccaneers but have only days before the transfer window in Sweden closes.

Sweden's season runs from March to November and the last chance for any transfer movement is August 11.

The possible move presents Erasmus with a chance to return to Europe five seasons after he had a stint in the Netherlands. But he is also a dilemma for Pirates, who will need his services if they are to win this year's African Confederation Cup.

The nuggety forward has made no secret of his desire to play again in European club football after going for two years to Feyenoord when he was still a teenager and fresh out of the SuperSport United academy.

He made a good impression initially at Feyenoord but eventually played just four games for them, spending the next year on loan in the Dutch second division with Excelsior Rotterdam.

Erasmus returned to Matsatsantsa in 2010 and after three seasons moved to Pirates.

He has scored 38 goals for United and Pirates in both league and cup competitions.

Erasmus, who made his Premier Soccer League debut in 2007, has won 11 caps for Bafana Bafana but only scored once for the national team.

Gothenburg had South Africa international May Mahlangu at the club on a short-term contract for the second half of last year.