Chhetri set to join USA`s MLS club Kansas City Wizards

Margao: India international and Dempo`s striker Sunil Chhetri is set to join USA`s Major League Soccer (MLS) club Kansas City Wizards. The Delhi lad attended trials at the club earlier this month and now Dempo sources have revealed that Chhetri will be joining the Wizards, who start their MLS campaign next month. Last year, Chhetri had given trials at English Championship side Coventry City but did not manage to make a permanent move. He was also denied work permit to join another Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers because of India`s FIFA ranking. While talks are still on between Chhetri and Wizards, an official confirmation can be expected in a few days. Chhetri, when contacted neither confirmed nor denied the move. Dempo is going to feel the absence of Chhetri. Ranty Martins is not in his usual form and youngsters Joaquim Abranches and Clifton Gonsalves are not established players to play big matches. Dempo has felt Chhetri`s absence in the on going I-League where they are title contenders. They have lost two consecutive matches in a row as they failed to consolidate the lead at the top of the pole position and are now on 29 points each along with Mahindra United who are the other title contender. "There is nothing we can do as Chhetri has been granted release to join MLS team as per the pre-agreement with Chhetri. The club has given him the right to quit the club even midway into the season," a top club official said. PTI