If reports are to be believed, then Nagaland footballer James Kithan would be seen donning the NorthEast United FC or NEUFC jersey this season of the Indian Super League (ISL).

It has been widely reported that Highlanders are keen to sign in the 25-year-old goalkeeper and that he has been on the team's radar for quite some time now.

Kithan joined Churchill Brothers FC Goa in 2017 on a free transfer. However, his contract expired in May 2020.

Apart from the talented Nagaland goalkeeper, the NEUFC has been also scouting Ubaid CK- another goalkeeper currently plying for Gokulam Kerala FC.

Sources close to NEUFC have informed that there is almost a 75 per cent probability that Kithan will be joining the Highlanders this season.

"I would be happy if I get a chance to play for a big club like NEUFC," reported The Morung Express quoting the footballer.

As per reports, Kithan's agent and NEUFC are currently in talks for an agreement, which is yet to be finalised.

Even though the resumption of sports, especially field sports, looks like a reality of the distant future in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, fans, however, are hopeful that the deal goes ahead successfully.

"I have been following Northeast's football closely for the past few years and I must say James Kithan is an exciting player," said Ramen Das, an avid football fan, while speaking to The Story Mug.

"NEUFC had shown promise and I believe they would only improve from hereon. James joining the club will boost the team's morale immensely," Das added.

James Kithan collecting the Hero of the Match award. Courtesy: Football First Report

It may be mentioned here that Kithan, so far, has performed well in the 8 I-League appearances that he made for Churchill Brothers in the 2019/20 season.

In fact, Kithan had put in a Hero of the Match performance against NEROCA FC in February 2020.

Kithan’s current market value is estimated to be Rs 8.33 million.

If things fall in place, then the All India Football Federation (AIFF) recently announced that the summer transfer window would be open from August 1 to October 20.