Major League Soccer clubs FC Dallas and Toronto FC are said to have joined the hunt for Bmobile Joe Public target man and Trinidad and Tobago international Kerry Baptiste.
Baptiste who netted 48 goals last season to guide the Lions to five titles domestically, immediately scored attention from clubs in Europe and North America.
Baptiste’s agent, Andre Fortune of Sports Management Group out of the United States told www.ttproleague.com, “FC Dallas and Toronto FC are both interested in Baptiste and have welcomed trials for the player. However we feel that Baptiste has done extremely well and deserves a contract. So at the moment, we are working on getting him a contract.”
“He (Baptiste) is scheduled for trial at Ipswich, so we will also have to see how that goes,” added Fortune.
The 28 yearold midfielder turned striker is scheduled to join English Championship Division club Ipswich Town on a one week trial under manager Roy Keene from February 10.
"I'm always on the look out for players to add to my squad as well and if a player becomes available that I think can bring some extra qualities then we will look at that,” said Keene this week, commenting on possible movements at his club.
The window for Baptiste to earn a deal at Portman Road may have opened wider after the club opted not to offer an extension or new deal to onloan Crystal Palace striker and fellow T&T international Stern John after his deal expired last week.
Once at Ipswich, Baptiste will train alongside Ipswich midfielder Carlos Edwards, another T&T international and former Defence Force player.
Despite always on the lookout for players, Keene also mentioned on the club’s official website that he is fine with his current squad which means that Baptiste will have to do his best at impressing the former Manchester United star.
“I know a few clubs are hoping to have me, but I’m focused on the Ipswich trial at hand. I will do my best at the club to impress the coaches,” assured Baptiste.