FIFA U17 World Cup: 4 potential options for India U17s' Dheeraj Singh after his World Cup heroics

India bowed out of the FIFA U17 World Cup in the group stage as they suffered defeats in all three matches. However, one of the brightest sparks in the Indian scheme of things was goalkeeper Dheeraj Singh Moirangthem. The 17-year-old from Manipur played every minute of India's maiden World Cup campaign, pulling off save after brilliant save to deny the Colts' more accomplished opponents.

However, Dheeraj couldn't stop India from shipping nine goals at the U17 World Cup despite making the third highest number of saves in the group stage. The AIFF Academy product made 16 saves during his three appearances, lesser than only Costa Rica's Ricardo Montenegro and Korea DPR's Tae Song Sin, thereby attracting the attention of a few watching scouts.

Having interested clubs from India as well as abroad, let us take stock of things and list out all possible options for the player who has become the real star of Indian football over the past fortnight.

#4 Borussia Monchengladbach

Mahmoud Dawood (R) is a fine talent to come out of Gladbach

The German club are famous for grooming and developing players of world-class standard and were keen watchers of the India U17s shot-stopper at the FIFA U17 World Cup. Impressed by his brave display on the face of onslaughts from opposition attackers, Gladbach could still come back with an offer for Dheeraj but the possibility of that happening is reducing by the day as Indian clubs have now registered an interest in the 'keeper. However, FIFA rules on transfer of minors should still pose a problem.

#3 Galatasaray

Galatasaray are the giants of Turkey

Another long shot, scouts from the Turkish giants were also among Dheeraj's watchers during the group stage of the FIFA U17 World Cup. The watching party attended the match between India and Ghana during which Dheeraj shipped four goals, but it was his numerous saves that certainly caught the eye. However, a Turkish jaunt for Dheeraj at this stage looks unlikely, but in the world of football, you can rule nothing out. This move also has the added caveat of FIFA's restrictions on the transfer of minors.

#2 Kerala Blasters

Two-time ISL finalists Kerala Blasters are also in the fray

According to a report from Khel Now, two-time Indian Super League runners-up Kerala Blasters have joined the race to sign Dheeraj. Following the current contract impasse with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) of many India U17 players including Dheeraj, the Blasters have entered the equation and have offered to treble the goalkeeper's wages. While the Men in Yellow have gone the big-spending route this time around with the acquisitions of players like Dimitar Berbatov and Iain Hume, it remains to be seen how concrete their interest in Dheeraj is.

#1 AIFF's I-League XI

Dheeraj could choose to stay with his India U17 teammates

While all speculation point to the fact that Dheeraj might reject the AIFF's advances and find a new club, the option of the player making an about turn and staying put is still there. Afterall, Dheeraj will be guaranteed regular playing minutes in a top division league with AIFF's rebranded Pailan Arrows project, something that he can't expect to have should he jump ship. The AIFF XI will play in the I-League this season and Dheeraj will be one of the mainstays of the team, provided he stays.