Al Wasl target Clottey destined for exit

Dubai: Berekum Chelsea coach Hans van der Pluijm has resigned himself to the prospect of losing Al Wasl target Emmanuel Clottey after their African Champions League campaign.

Ghanaian striker Clottey, 24, is hot property following his 12 CAF Champions League goals this season and Al Wasl coach Bruno Metsu — who has also been eyeing Brazilian free agent Afonso Alves — hopes to beat AS Roma to his signature. The Italian giants reportedly offered £3 million (Dh17.4 million) to sign Clottey.

“Clottey will be a player who will go after the Champions League,” Pluijm told Ghanaian press. “But we are looking for replacements who will help us to put a strong bid for the Ghana Premier League title this coming season.”

Pluijm added: “It is natural in Ghanaian football that club owners hope that one day they can sell one or two players to recoup their investment. That is the aim of most of the Ghanaian team, to get money to run the club and invest in other departments.”

Meanwhile, a source at Al Wasl said: “Clottey is close to signing with Al Wasl after two weeks of negotiations between the two parties. The official announcement of the deal could be in soon.

“The contact with Clottey came at the request of coach Bruno Metsu, who is convinced of his abilities.”