Manchester United and Real Madrid soccer players get sold for millions of dollars, often enough to run a small country.

But things are a little different in Romania, where star players are being swapped for utilities to run their small country.

While David Beckham would balk at the idea of switching teams for little more than a case of beer and some traffic lights for his town, the goalie for Romanian team Minerul is being offered to the competition in exchange for a gas pipe.

Lupeni's mayor, Cornel Rasmerita, who also manages the team, generously says, "I know our keeper is wanted by a number of top clubs but I am willing to let him go to Jiul if the clubs owner makes a 110,000 pound investment in a gas pipe that my town needs so much."

The player, who will hopefully get to benefit from hot showers if the gas pipe is installed, has not yet changed clubs. The Jiul manager has not yet responded to the unique offer.

However, it is not unusual for Romanian players to be traded in exchange for necessities. One lucky player fetched the price of half a pig, while others have helped their club by switching sides for sets of goalposts and crates of wine.