NEC midfielder Dirk Proper is considering leaving the club after losing his place in the starting lineup under head coach Dick Schreuder, according to Omroep Gelderland.
The 24-year-old former captain was placed with the reserve group during a friendly against Elversberg, highlighting his reduced status behind Darko Nejasmic and Kodai Sano.
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Proper expressed dissatisfaction with his current role as a substitute following a season of limited playing time.
"I just want to play. And I will do everything to make that happen," Proper said.
"Every season is different. I decided to fully go for my chances.
But Dick is the only one who decides. I have to convince him."
With one year remaining on his contract, Proper could leave as a free agent next summer.
Interested clubs would currently need to pay a transfer fee, though management is expected to cooperate due to his long service.
"What I feel is that the club is growing, and it makes me proud that I play a role in that.
I want to play as big a role as possible," Proper said. "For my age and qualities, I simply didn't get enough minutes last season."
SC Heerenveen and Sparta Rotterdam, led by former NEC manager Rogier Meijer, have expressed interest, though Proper prefers remaining in Gelderland.
"In this period and at this age, I have to play. I am really doing everything I can.
