Johor set sights on Harimau star Safiq

By ESPNSTAR.com staff

The creative midfielder, who is also skipper of Malaysia, is arguably the country's most-talented footballer at the moment, and is also regarded as one of the region's best playmakers.

And while the 25-year-old has been at Selangor all his career, and even earned a three-week trial with English Championship side Cardiff last year, it now appears Johor have grand plans of prising him away from the Shah Alam Stadium, according to team manager Fandi Ahmad.

"Safiq is an intelligent football with great attributes and leadership qualities, and a good footballer who can make a difference to the team," he told The Star.

"It will be great for the Johor FA if he plays for us next season."

Nonetheless, the legendary Singaporean striker insists official talks will not be conducted until the end of the Malaysia Cup, which Selangor are currently trying to win for a 33rd time.

"He has a contract with Selangor and is currently busy preparing for the Malaysia Cup semi-finals," Fandi added. "So we'll see how it goes after the tournament ends."

The report is also suggesting that Johor will only retain eight players from their current squad, including foreign stars Muriel Orlando and Andrezinho, and are hoping to bring in another two Malaysia internationals, with ex-Terengganu defender Muslim Ahmad one of the names being heavily linked with a move to the Tan Sri Dato Hj Hassan Yunos Stadium.

"Hopefully we can wrap up the new signings before the Johor FA annual general meeting - either by the end of the month or early November - where we will unveil the players and prepare for the new season," Fandi revealed.

Johor finished fourth in the Premier League this season and missed out on the promotion play-off spot by just five points.