After signing Wes Brown, Kerala Blasters set to rope in Berbatov

CHENNAI: Kerala Blasters are all set to rope in former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov for the forthcoming Indian Super League (ISL) season. The move will see Berbatov getting reunited with his former United teammate Wes Brown, whose appointment was announced by Blasters on Twitter on Tuesday.
The 36-year-old Berbatov, who is the leading scorer for Bulgaria with 48 goals in 78 appearances, is a free agent after his contract was mutually terminated by Greek Club Panthessalonikios last year.It was learnt that the veteran striker, who has not played competitive football for the last one year, had offers from several other ISL clubs as well as second-tier English clubs. But it was Kerala coach Rene Meulensteen, who has worked as a skills development coach with the Manchester United first team from 2007-2013, convinced both Berbatov and Brown to join the Kochi-based outfit.
Berbatov, who had donned the jerseys of top flight clubs like Bayer Leverkusen and Tottenham Hotspur, had also played under Meulensteen at Fulham in 2013 following his transfer from United in 2012. An official announcement is expected by the end of the week. “Meulensteen had worked closely with both the players during their prime at United. So he was instrumental in getting both the players on board. They have mutual respect for each other and have a good understanding of each other’s work ethic. Moreover, their experience will add a lot of value to the side,” a source close to the developments told TOI on Tuesday.
Like Berbatov, Brown is also a free agent after his contract with Blackburn Rovers expired last season. The 37-year-old defender had spent 13 years at Old Trafford from 1998-2011 and made 362 appearances for the club apart from winning five Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns. Brown said that he is looking forward to a new challenge with Kerala. “Hello India, Happy Independence day! I’m coming soon to the exciting Indian Super League to play for Kerala Blasters. I can’t wait to play in front of one of the best fans in the world. Kerala, See you soon!” tweeted Brown.
Kerala Blasters, who have been the ISL finalists for two out of three seasons, have already signed Ghanaian attacking midfielder Courage Pekuson and Serbian defender Nemenja Lakic-Pesic after announcing the return of Canadian Iain Hume.
Chennaiyin to sign Henrique Sereno? The buzz is that Chennaiyin FC are likely to sign former ATK defender Henrique Sereno for the ISL season. The 32-year-old, who has played alongside Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal national side, had represented the likes of FC Porto and Real Valladolid. Sereno had scored the equaliser for eventual champions ATK in the ISL final last season.