Exclusive: Kerala Blasters set to sell Anas Edathodika

India international is the latest name in the list of players who are on the verge of leaving the South Indian outfit.

Indian Super League outfit Kerala Blasters are set to part ways with defender Anas Edathodika, Khel Now can confirm. FC Pune City and NorthEast United are leading the race to grab the signature of the India international.

"FC Pune City and NorthEast United FC have enquired about him [Anas]. Kerala Blasters have a 2+1 year contract with Anas. The club is keen to offload a few of their players in the January transfer window," a source close to the developments has exclusively told Khel Now.

Edathodika, who joined the club before ISL Season 5, doesn't want to leave Kerala Blasters. The 31-year-old had earlier revealed his dream of playing for his hometown club and it is understood the defender would still like to remain at the club. 

Khel Now has also learnt that Anas had been offered assurances that he would be a first-choice centre-back when he signed for the Blasters. However,, there was no such clause in his deal. "Anas doesn't want to leave the club. He is not short of suitors. The chances of Anas and a few others leaving the club are high," the source further stated.

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Edathodika will be looking to impress everyone at the AFC Asian Cup. He is likely to start for the Blue Tigers in the tournament. At Kerala, Anas has not looked solid this season. Nevertheless, a solid display in the UAE will help him attract more clubs.

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Meanwhile, it is also reliably understood that a few other players are themselves unwilling to leave the club. So what is the Kerala Blasters' management planning? Are they trying to shed some big amount from their wage bill?

Khel Now sources suggest that the Blasters will most likely have new owners after the end of the current season. Negotiations have taken place. So, are they trying to make maximum profit before they sell the club?