90 MINUTES is reliably informed that Kumasi Asante Kotoko
are willing to accept a swap deal for midfielder Yahaya Mohammed in exchange
for want-away Hearts of Oak striker Edwin Osei Pele.
Hearts coach C.K. Akunnor has revealed his admiration for
the former OGC Nice player and believes he will be a useful addition to his
Phobian squad.
And Akunnor could soon have his wish granted if reports that
certain Kotoko bigwigs are backing calls by supporters for the Kumasi club to
sign Osei Pele, the striker who shot into prominence just two seasons ago after
his goals powered Hearts to the pre-season Top 4 triumph.
Despite the huge early promise, Osei Pele has struggled to
succeed in the Phobian colours, even spending the latter half of last season on
loan at Aduana Stars. Akunnor has also ruled the striker surplus to
requirements at Hearts after not inviting him to the club’s pre-season camp.
The player responded by handing in a transfer request which
has placed a host of club’s on wild alert, Ebusua Dwarfs and Ashantigold both
openly declaring their interest in the 22 year old goal poacher.
However 90 MINUTES understands Kotoko will be his preferred
destination should the Porcupine Warriors show interest in a swap deal involving
Yahaya Mohammed. And our sources indicate that some prominent figures in Kotoko
led by legendary player Sarfo Gyamfi are prevailing upon management to act
quickly to sign Osei Pele whom the supporters say is ‘one of their own.’
“I have requested to be transfer-listed. If my request is
granted, I will then begin to talk to officials of Kotoko. I have also heard
they want to swap me with one player from Kotoko. I am just praying that the
move is successful,” Osei Pele told Fox FM in Kumasi.Credit: