Internet Desk: Aizawl FC’s star right full-back Ashutosh Mehta breaks his silence about his potential transfer move in the forthcoming transfer window. The Mumbai lad played an amazing season for the I-League champions in the previous season. Consequently, his demand in the transfer window too has gone up to a new high. All the top I-League clubs and ISL franchises are targeting the powerful defender to sign him to bolster their defense.
Kingfisher East Bengal Head Coach Khalid Jamil is said to be the “father figure” for both Ashutosh Mehta and his friend Jayesh Rane. In his opening press conference Khalid too hinted their future at the Red and Gold brigade. But today, Ashutosh told www.xtratime.in , “Yes, East Bengal has spoken with me. gave a good proposal as well. But Mohun Bagan too has joined the race as Debasish Dutta called me with a lucrative proposal. I am in a fix to decide my future.”
Though Ashutosh said, “Still I cannot see a clear picture of the future structure of Indian football. I’m waiting. Yes, Khalid Sir did a lot for my career. He prepared me in his own in the last ten years. But as a professional, I will be telling him about the proposal which I believe will be beneficial for my career. Khalid Sir too played the game as top professional. So, whatever will be the decision, I think Khalid Sir’s support will be there in it.” He added, “Either East Bengal-Mohun Bagan or ISL, wherever I go, it will be a well thought out decision”.
Ashutosh didn’t hesitate to confess his interest to play in Kolkata, as he said, “It’s my dream to play in Kolkata. Lets see when it gets fulfilled.”
East Bengal has reportedly in talks with Aizawl FC’s Japanese defensive midfielder Yuta Kinowaki. Mohun Bagan, on the flip side, is in initial talks with Brendan Fernandez, Rowilson Rodriguez and Adil Khan.
Meanwhile, East Bengal to confer the Bharat Gourav Award 2017 to India’s hockey legend Dhanraj Pillai. The Lifetime Achievement Awards will be conferred to Dronacharya Syed Nayeemuddin and Subhash Bhowmick.