Masih Saighani in advanced talks with Jamshedpur FC

The Afghan defender was recently released by his former employers Chennaiyin FC.

Former Chennaiyin FC star Masih Saighani is in advanced talks with Indian Super League side Jamshedpur FC, Khel Now can confirm.

“Masih Saighani is in advanced talks with Jamshedpur FC as Owen Coyle wants to reunite with his former player. The deal is most likely to go through,” a source close to the developments informed Khel Now.

The former Aizawl FC defender who can also play as a defensive midfielder played in India for two seasons and his last stint came for the Marina Machans last campaign, when they finished runners-up after being humbled by ATK in the final.

ALSO READ: Exclusive: How Owen Coyle plans to grow Indian players at Jamshedpur

Masih Saighani and three other players from were released by Chennaiyin earlier today after the completion of their contracts. Saighani played 12 games for the club last season and even notched a solitary goal. The Marina Machans are currently in a re-building phase under Csaba Laszlo after head coach Owen Coyle, forward Nerijus Valskis and defender Laldinliana Renthlei all jumped ship to Jamshedpur.

As for the Men of Steel, they are looking to make a statement as their on-field performances have been far from inspiring since the club was formed in 2017. The team could only earn 18 points in as many games last season and had settled for eighth position. Like Chennaiyin, Jamshedpur are also looking in a re-build this season under Coyle, with a mix of young and experienced players. The Tata Steel-owned outfit have also roped in former Motherwell captain Peter Hartley on one-year deal, which Khel Now exclusively revealed earlier.

The seventh edition of Indian Super League will see 11 teams in the competition, with East Bengal most likely to be the new entrants. However, the upcoming term has been marred by the coronavirus pandemic, as the whole competition will be played in Goa and behind closed doors as a precautionary measure.