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What's the story?
East Bengal and Chennaiyan FC are in the race to sign Minerva Punjab's right-back Kamalpreet Singh, with the I-League giants holding the edge.
In case you didn't know...
An I-League winner at just the age of 20, Kamalpreet Singh has attracted interest from top clubs and understandably so. He has started every game in Minerva's title-winning season and has 7 clean-sheets to prove his prowess. He has also represented India in U16 and U19 games and is surely one of those to keep an eye on for the future.
The heart of the matter
When a young, talented player makes a statement for himself on one of the country's biggest stages, he's bound to attract suitors. Kamalpreet found suitors in the form of I-League giants East Bengal and ISL champions Chennaiyan FC and the former are leading the race, Sportskeeda has learnt.
After an unsatisfactory season to their standards, East Bengal look to shuffle around a bit to challenge for the title next season and signing this promising right-back is a step in that direction. Chennaiyan FC, on the other hand, look to replace veteran and former Alaves, Brighton and Hove Albion player Íñigo Calderón Zapatería at right-back.
What's next?
If rumours are true, it's very likely that Kamalpreet Singh will be wearing red and gold next season. With East Bengal willing to pay a hefty transfer fee of 15 lakhs, Chennaiyan FC have to do a lot to snatch the player but as it stands, the odds are heavily in favour of the Bengal club. Will Minerva tempt him to renew? Will East Bengal complete the deal? Will Chennaiyan FC orchestrate a late swoop for the player? It's all possible now.
Author's take
Winning the league against all odds has its cons. Minerva will find it hard to keep their top players as top clubs from ISL and I-League will come hunting. Kamalpreet looks set to pack his bags and the deal can happen anytime.
