Exclusive: FC Goa custodian Lalthuammawia Ralte in talks with East Bengal and Delhi Dynamos

The shot-stopper spent the second half of last season on loan at Kerala Blasters.

FC Goa goalkeeper Lalthuammawia Ralte is in talks with several clubs from the Indian Super League (ISL) and I-League for the upcoming season.

Sources close to the development have told Khel Now that last year's I-League runners up, East Bengal are leading the race to secure the services of the Gaurs' shot-stopper. However Delhi Dynamos and several other Indian clubs are also interested. 

Despite having a two-year contract with the 26-year old Mizo goalkeeper, Goa are eager to offload players to balance the books. Ralte was also loaned out to Kerala Blasters in the January transfer window. Hence, his move away from Goa was inevitable.

The custodian came through the ranks at former I-League outfit Shillong Lajong, as they reached the semi-finals of the Federation Cup in 2011. His consistent performances meant that bigger clubs came calling. The young goalkeeper joined then I-League champions Bengaluru FC in 2014 and also plied his trade for ISL outfit NorthEast United back in 2015. Ralte has featured in the AFC Cup during his time at Bengaluru. 

The 26-year old struggled for game-time with the Blues and hence decided to join Goa. However, the Gaurs' head coach Sergio Lobera showed more trust in young Mohammad Nawaz and Naveen Kumar. Hence, the former Lajong man was loaned out to the Blasters in January, where he managed to feature in only two matches.

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On the other hand, East Bengal are looking to strengthen their last line of defence. Former Minerva Punjab custodian Rashit Dagar showed signs of uncertainty last season, which hampered the defensive structure of the side. Dagar failed to communicate with his fellow defenders, thus making life more difficult for them in tight situations. Hence, the Red and Gold Brigade are determined to bring in someone who has ample experience to handle the pressure in crunch fixtures and Ralte's name has come up to replace Dagar.

However, ISL outfit Delhi Dynamos are also in the hunt to sign the 26-year old custodian with considerable interest from other Indian clubs as well.