Mandar Rao Desai set for Villarreal trial

FC Goa midfielder Mandar Rao Desai is set to be on trial with La Liga outfit Villarreal CF.

India international Mandar Rao Desai is set to join Spain's Villareal CF on trial.

The midfielder who plays for the Goans in the Indian Super League has been widely acknowledged as one of the brightest talents in the country and will spend two weeks with The Yellow Submarine.

Rao Desai's stint in Spain is the result of Villarreal's unique partnership with FC Pune City and the India on Track initiative that seeks to promote football talent in the country.

Speaking exclusively to Khel Now about the move Gaurav Modwel CEO FCPC and Chairman, IOT said, "FC Pune City and India on Track have a relationship with VIllarreal and selected Mandar dispassionately as a deserving youngster irrespective of his current club. We felt that it will be good for Indian football."

Modwel also reflected on the relationship with VIllarreal saying the partnership was broad, encompassing various aspects of which providing opportunities to young talents is one.

The winger was obviously excited about his upcoming time in Spain. ""I think I can impress them. As of now, I am going there for two weeks to train and if everything goes well, they will let me know if they are interested in me continuing for a longer period. I am excited at this opportunity," he said.

Rao Desai will join first-team training on Monday and is expected to return before the start of the Spanish season.