'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAb/2gAIAQEAAAAAdSf/xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAC/9oACAECEAAAAB//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE/9oACAEDEAAAAFf/xAAfEAACAgIBBQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAwIEBhEABQcTMtP/2gAIAQEAAT8At55ddnOJorhba71KapRToM80j7HewQvl/unjyL1lUqnUzJbJQJCV/Tn/xAAWEQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA0L/2gAIAQIBAT8ATR//xAAaEQEAAQUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgADBELB/9oACAEDAQE/AM0IRtAa9a//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ever since Brazilian forward Nilmar was seen at Dubai Airport, reportedly on his way to India, speculations began to rise about Indian Super League side Kerala Blasters signing the former Lyon and Villarreal striker
With Kerala Blasters struggling with their foreign signings - Bulgaria international Dimitar Berbatov and Ugandan sensation Kizito Keziron out injured and Dutch striker Mark Sifneos departing mid-way into the season - the southern Indian outfit has been on the lookout for replacements ever since.
Days after Iceland striker Gudjon Baldvinsson signed for the club, a familiar face in Victor Pulga was also roped in with reports of third signing being former Lyon striker Nilmar
However, the deal seems to be fallen apart between the two sides. According to a former football agent, the deal did not go through since the Kerala Blasters management found the wage demands of the player very high, which had left the Blasters coach David James frustrated
But it seems that David James is very happy with the team he has got and not too disappointed with the signing miss. When questioned about the Nilmar signing, the former Blasters keeper laughed off these rumours.
"We are after Neymar Jr., a bit of contractual issue there, something to do with 500 million," joked James.
Also Read: Kerala Blasters fans allegedly beaten up inside stadium after FC Pune City match
Big signings have not always delivered and that has been proven time and again in ISL. Nilmar hasn't been at his best for the last couple of years.
Since the 2015-16 season with Al-Nasr, the Brazilian has featured in just two professional games and so the signing fall-out could be a blessing in disguise. With new signings - Victor Pulga and Gudjon Baldvinsson along with Berbatov nearing match fitness, Blasters could mount a comeback.
