In an interview with Cyclingnews, Samuel Sanchez has expressed a  bit of optimism in his search for a new team and claims that things are moving. At the same time, he has been linked with a move to Cofidis who says that it will be complicated to add the veteran to their roster.

A few days ago, Samuel Sanchez sent out negative signals in his desperate search for a new team that will allow the 2008 Olympic champion to continue his career. Saying that he needed to find a solution within 10 or 15 days, he admitted that time was about to run out.

Contacted by Cyclingnews, Sanchez has now sent out more optimistic signals. He is cooperating closely with Joona Lauka in a final attempt to sign a last-minute deal.

"Joona is doing a great job, and things are moving," he said. "There is some hope, but if it's not now...it'll be really complicated. I hope we can sign a contract. There may yet be a possibility."

Sanchez has kept in shape during his lengthy shape and is currently training in his native Asturias with Daniel Navarro whose French Cofidis team has a strong Spanish contingent consisting of Navarro, Luis Angel Mate and Egoitz Garcia. That has led to speculation that Sanchez could be signing a contract with the Frenchmen who have already secured a Tour de France wildcard and are almost guaranteed to also do the Vuelta a Espana.

Contacted by La Voix du Nord, a spokesman from the team doesn't rule anything out and while he says that things will be difficult, he doesn't rule anything out.

"We have to balance our budget for 2014," he said. "It could be very complicated."

Sanchez had a disappointing 2013 season but an 8th place in the Vuelta a Espana, a stage win in the Dauphiné and a 2nd place in the mountain time trial in the Giro shows that he still has the abilities to be up there in the biggest races.