Bhaichung may join East Bengal

Kolkata:

It's not yet official, but according to sources Bhaichung Bhutia is set to don the red-and-gold jersey of East Bengal in the upcoming I-League season.

Humiliated by Mohun Bagan questioning the India captain's committment in the last season, the ace forward has sought an immediate release from the club, a decision on which would be taken at the club executive committee meeting on June 8.

But sources claimed that Bhutia's deal with East Bengal has been done and just the formal work needs to be completed.

That Mohun Bagan yesterday roped in Nigerian striker Edeh Chidi as their third foreigner clearly indicated that the Kolkata club would leave the Indian star forward Bhutia, said the East Bengal insider.

East Bengal secretary Kalyan Majumdar said nothing had been finalised as yet on Bhutia's matter.

"He still has to obtain a no-objection certificate... then we'll see," Majumdar said.

Earlier, East Bengal coach Subhas Bhowmick had welcomed Bhutia to the club and had said: "(Bhaichung) Bhutia is an Indian icon and still remains the best Indian striker. A player of his calibre is always welcome at East Bengal."