Brisbane Roar midfielder Matthew Ridenton in talks with Bengaluru FC

The 24-year-old has played under current East Bengal head coach Robbie Fowler in the A-League.

A-League midfielder Matthew Ridenton is in talks with Indian Super League (ISL) club Bengaluru FC, Khel Now can confirm.

The 24-year-old played for Brisbane Roar last season and is currently opting for overseas opportunities. Players moving out of the A-League and joining ISL has been the 'new normal' this season and after Steven Taylor, Adam Le Fondre and Brad Inman, Ridenton is the latest addition to the list.

The former New Zealand international spent a major part of his career playing for A-League sides, including Newcastle Jets and Wellington Phoenix before joining the Brisbane-based club last season. However, Ridenton did not start quite often last campaign at the then Robbie Fowler-coached side, but managed to score once in his four outings. Naturally a right-footed central midfielder, Ridenton provides versatility as he can also perform well in the defensive position.

Initially, it was East Bengal who showed interest to sign in Kiwi, as the century-old Kolkata club are all set to enter the Indian top flight this season. Khel Now understands that their newly-recruited head coach Robbie Fowler played a key role behind the interest. However, things fell apart as the Red and Gold preferred to bring in an Asian player in that position.

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Currently, Bengaluru FC are in talks with Matthew Ridenton and if things go as per plan, negotiations with the Blues are expected to advance. On the other hand, the former Phoenix midfielder is keen to make a move abroad and also has also offers from the UK. But, it seems India is his preferred career destination, as he wishes to follow in the footsteps of his friends from the A-League.