Despite competing interest from European clubs, San Jose general manager John Doyle is confident the team can secure the services of key expansion draft choice Clarence Goodson.

The 25-year old center back, who arrived from FC Dallas last month, ran out of contract with the new year, but is currently discussing a new deal with the Quakes.

"It's our #1 priority and we're working hard with the league and Clarence's agent," Doyle told American Soccer Daily. "We wouldn't have picked him in the draft if we didn't think we could get him signed. (We're) very confident."

Complicating matters for the revived franchise is foreign interest in Goodson, but the player's agent says San Jose is first in line.

"(Contact with European teams) has just started," Craig Sharon told ASD. "We're still in discussions with MLS, and in case those fall through, he has overseas options."

Meanwhile, Doyle admitted that the Earthquakes would be compelled to make a move for former player Ramiro Corrales should the Brann handyman decide to return to MLS.

"His rights are owned by Houston," he noted. "If we were able to get something done with Houston, and the numbers were a good fit, Ramiro's a talented player that we'd like to have. He's somebody that we'd be very interested in."