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I-League newcomers JSW (Jindal Steel Works) are looking to sign Bangalore-based players so as to build an instant connection with the city where they will be based, Sportskeeda can confirm.
A source close to Sportskeeda revealed that the newly-entered club is targeting several well-known Bangalore-based footballers who have previous I-League experience, like former India international RC Prakash, ex-Churchill Brothers man Xavier Vijay Kumar and former HAL and Mohun Bagan midfielder Murali Joseph.
Mysore-born India defender NS Manju, whose career has been ravaged by injuries in the last two years, is also on the radar of the new I-League club from Bangalore and they are expected to finalise the squad in a grand launch later this month.
JSW have also held talks with former Mumbai FC midfielder Darren Caldeira while India captain Sunil Chhetri is one of their primary targets. The star striker also has an offer from I-League champions Churchill Brothers but will only decide his future after having discussions with his parent club Sporting Lisbon ‘B’.
The club announced former Manchester United trainee Ashley Westwood as their new head coach on Tuesday and their foreign signings are expected to be recommendations of the former Bradford City defender.
Former Shillong Lajong and DSK Shivajians head coach Pradhyum Reddy will be the assistant coach and several youngsters from DSK are also set to sign for the club, which is likely to be named either Bangalore FC or Bangalore United.
The club previously held talks with several current Pailan Arrows players but with AIFF’s developmental side likely to remain for another season, moves for those players didn’t materialise.
Sportskeeda also learnt that the home kit of JSW is likely to be inspired by the colours of FC Barcelona.
Following a financial commitment towards the AIFF, JSW and Mumbai Tigers were directly entered into the I-League. JSW will be the only southern India representative in the 2013-14 season and there is huge anticipation in Bangalore as the football-loving city hasn’t witnessed a top flight match since HAL’s relegation in 2012.
