Exclusive: Jamshedpur FC interested in Willis Plaza, eye defensive reinforcements

Published at :April 21, 2019 at 12:17 PM

Modified at :April 21, 2019 at 12:17 PM

The forward has showcased an impressive goal-scoring form in the I-League.

Jamshedpur FC’s hunt for a proper replacement to Tim Cahill goes on, as the Men of Steel look for top-quality goalscorers to lead their line last season. Khel Now had reported off interest in FC Goa’s Ferran Corominas next season along with Chennai City’s Pedro Manzi, but a new candidate has been lined up for a move to the Steel City.

Churchill Brothers’ star man Willis Plaza is a player they’re now keen on moving for, Khel Now has learnt. After joining the Goan side, the Trinidad and Tobago international showcased an impressive goal-scoring form in the I-League. He ended up as the joint top-scorer in the I-League with Manzi, but was responsible for winning many games for Churchill himself with his lethal work up front.

It has been learnt that Jamshedpur FC are negotiating a deal with Coro, but are troubled in being overpriced off a deal. While the Men of Steel have offered him much better terms than FC Goa, the Spanish hitman’s requirements are above what they’re willing to give. As a result, they are now keen on making an addition from the I-League and are targeting the experienced Plaza to lead their line.

However, the Men of Steel aren’t only looking towards attacking reinforcements this time around. They are aiming to fortify their defence next season and are in talks to signing Keegan Pereira and Joyner Lourenco for next season. Keegan was impressive for NorthEast United last season, giving some impressive performances in crunch matches and showcasing his varied skills both defensively and going forward.

With Dhanachandra Singh showcasing lack of consistency at left-back, Jamshedpur definitely need a more reliable outlet in their defence to keep things tight and add more options in the wing as well. Joyner Lourenco was also a vital cog in Mumbai City’s rock-solid defensive line last season, helping the Islanders keep many clean-sheets and being a flexible figure in the backline.

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Lourenco’s ability to operate as a center-back as well as a right-back gives him the versatility which the Men of Steel crave for. As the Men of Steel aren’t willing to extend Robin Gurung’s contract over next season, the Mumbai-man can be slotted into that position come next season. However, they also want an assertive figure at the back to partner the terrific Tiri and create a daunting defensive line.

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In order to prove some breathing room to Tiri, it’s been learnt that Jamshedpur FC are also looking to sign a top-quality foreign center-back to create an impenetrable defence line. They’re keen on giving Tiri better options to marshal his defence and are looking at many options when it comes to foreign addition.

The Men of Steel look to be keen on fixing their problems quickly and defence definitely seems to be at the top of the list. Right now, they want to create a compact side to compete at the top of the Indian Super League(ISL) next season and some of these additions will definitely help them in the cause.