Exclusive: Bengaluru FC in talks to sign Ashique Kuruniyan from FC Pune City

The forward is one of the highly rated attackers in India at the moment.

After a brief inactivity on the Blues' part, Bengaluru FC are in talks with FC Pune City on a potential transfer of Ashique Kuruniyan. The 22-year-old India international was one of the brightest Indian youngsters in the Indian Super League (ISL) last season, and if a move materializes, it will be a boost for the southerners.

Primarily a left winger, Kuruniyan made 17 appearances for the Stallions in the league last season, scoring two goals and assisting another three in the process. Although, recent times have seen Bengaluru skipper Sunil Chhetri playing in the left side of the Blues' squad, the departure of Xisco Hernandez to Delhi Dynamos might force Chhetri to the middle, making way for Kuruniyan in the left side of the pitch.

The 22-year-old attacker is under a multi-year contract with FC Pune City and if Bengaluru wants to lure him to the southern state, they will have to pay a hefty fee for him. The Stallions were reported to be in a financial crisis, which is expected to help the Blues in the negotiations for the signature of the winger.

After a disappointing season with FC Pune City, Kuruniyan sent a letter to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) citing non-payment of salaries by the Stallions. Adding to Pune's financial difficulties, the non-payment might just have made the deal possible for the Blues.

Bengaluru boss Carles Cuadrat is an admirer of pacy wingers, who have used Udanta Singh in the right side extensively and have helped Sunil Chhetri stay in top fitness and be one of the most lethal players in India playing in wide areas. Kuruniyan fits the Spaniard's bill perfectly and it will be a treat to watch him partner the likes of Sunil Chhetri and Udanta Singh in the Blues' vanguard next season.