Hearts, Kotoko fight over Ashia, Adams
Accra Hearts of Oak and Kumasi Asante Kotoko have taken their fierce rivalry into the player transfer market as both clubs are fighting over the signatures of Liberty Professionals’ Kennedy Ashia and Aduana Stars goalie, Stephen Adams.
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With the two traditional giants kicking off their recruitment drive ahead of the next football season, both Ashia and Adams appear high on their shopping lists.
Only last month Hearts paraded Berekum Chelsea’s Latif Salifu as their newest recruit but now claim that they have abandoned their chase for the striker.
An official of Hearts insists they have pulled the plug on that deal due to “indecision on the part of the player and his club”.
Kotoko sources have also confirmed that head coach David Duncan has his eyes on Ashia, who is among 10 players shortlisted for recruitment by the Porcupine Warriors for the next season.
After surviving relegation narrowly last season and placing a number of their players on transfer, the Phobians want to make a big splash in the transfer market to strengthen their team for the coming Premiership season, with Liberty’s Ashia as one of their top targets.
The attacking midfielder was one of the leading scorers in the just-ended First Capital Plus Premier League, scoring 11 goals which helped Liberty to place fifth on the log.
The Graphic Sports understands that Hearts have formally written to Liberty seeking the services of their midfield talisman, as well as former Black Stars reserve goalkeeper, Daniel Agyei.
Also on Hearts’ radar are Wa All Stars goalkeeper Richard Ofori, Joel Fameyeh of Kumasi-based Division one side Asokwa Deportivo, and national under-20 star, Patrick Asmah, who is reportedly close to sealing a move to the Phobian stable.
Hearts escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth during the just-ended First Capital Premier League but are making a determined effort to ensure they beef up their squad and put their best foot forward next season, having seen the league title elude them in the last five seasons.
