Exclusive: Segunda B outfit Real Aviles offers to be the base for Mehtab Hossain’s Spain trials

Spanish Segunda B (third tier) outfit Real Aviles have offered to be the base for India and East Bengal midfield general Mehtab Hossain’s trials in Spain, Sportskeeda can confirm.

Mehtab’s Spanish-based Indian origin agent Ravi Daswani had been trying to arranges trials in Spain for the 28-year-old and Real Aviles have now officially invited the India international.

Segunda B clubs are not allowed to sign foreigners but Aviles will act as the base of Mehtab’s trials. Aviles have already invited some La Liga and Segunda (second tier) clubs including Deportivo La Coruna to have a look at the Indian international.

Daswani stated that the idea is to ensure Mehtab is watched by as many La Liga and Segunda clubs as possible in the hope of getting him a professional contract.

Aviles’ invitation letter, a copy of which is with Sportskeeda, states that Mehtab has been invited for trials between July 27 and August 18. All his expenses during his stay in Spain will be taken care of by the Segunda B club, which was formed in 1903 but have never played in the top flight.

“The main purpose of this invitation is to assess Mehtab’s performance in Aviles from July 27th to August 18th. Within this period he will be scouted by first and second division football clubs of the Spanish League like Sporting Gijon (Segunda), Deportivoa La Coruna (Segunda), Real Valladolid (La Liga), Celta Vigo (La Liga), CD Lugo (Segunda), Osasuna (La Liga), CD Mirandes (Segunda), SD Ponferradina (Segunda),” read a statement of the letter.

Mehtab’s agent Daswani added that Segunda clubs Tenerife and Las Palmas are also expected to send scouts to watch the Indian medio and that the trial period can be extended until transfer deadline day (August 31) depending on Mehtab’s performances. But it remains to be seen whether the player himself opts to go for the trial.

It will take Mehtab at least a week to get his visa done and the period in which the trial has been offered, he will have national team commitments as India face Tajikistan in an international friendly on August 14 while thfe SAFF Cup preparatory camp starts from August 16 in Bangalore.

Another India international Syed Rahim Nabi has made it clear that he will only go for the trial at MLS outfit DC United after the SAFF Cup, which is in September but Mehtab won’t have that luxury.

The newly appointed East Bengal skipper is currently at the Kolkata club’s pre-season training camp in Kalyani and will have to take a decision soon on this rare opportunity from Spain.