Orlando Pirates have reportedly turned down a R6-million offer from Greek side, AEK Athens for star midfielder Teko Modise.

City Press reports that Athens dangled the sum of R500 000 (about R6-million) in their bid to lure the Premier Soccer League (PSL) Footballer of the Year, but Pirates turned this offer down.

Apparently Pirates rejected the offer, arguing that it was way below what Modise is worth presently and that he deserves to play in a better league — especially considering that Israeli club Maccabi Haifa paid about R10-million for the services of former Ajax Cape Town striker Thembinkosi Fanteni.

"He is staying put at the club after their offer was considered, but it won't be long before he is lost to SA football," said a source quoted by the newspaper.

The source added: "There is no doubt that Modise harbours ambitions of playing in bigger European leagues and believes it won't be long before he realises his dream. He will not be upset by the turn of events because it really came as a surprise to him."

Meanwhile, Modise said he was not aware of the offer, but insisted he was still happy at Pirates.

"I still have a contract with Pirates and I am happy at the moment," concluded Modise.