ISL 2017: 5 foreigners who can join the ISL in January

ISL season 4 is up and running with all the sides having played at least three games thus far. Based on the start of the season, an early assessment can be done on where each side are excelling and where work needs to be done. Delhi Dynamos and Kerala Blasters are two sides currently in the bottom half of the table, struggling to produce consistent performances

The Blasters have struggled in front of goal whereas the defence and the midfield position alongside Paulinho Dias has been a worry for the Dynamos. Fortunately for the two sides, the January transfer window can prove to be a blessing as both teams can sign one foreigner each in the winter market.

The league ruling is that a team can have eight foreign players in their squad and currently, Kerala Blasters and Delhi Dynamos have the space for one more. Hence, they can sign one player in January to resolve some of their major issues. On that note, here are the five foreigners that can join the Indian Super League in January:

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#5 Jan Kirchhoff

The defensive midfielder last played for Sunderland and is currently on the lookout for a new club. Kerala Blasters need a strong utility player in midfield whose presence will allow Dimitar Berbatov the freedom to perform his attacking duties without worrying about the defence.

Courage Pekuson, the current Blasters' defensive midfielder has not had the best of starts this season. Signing Kirchhoff, who can also play as a centre-back, can prove to be a smart move for Meulensteen who is desperately in need of goals which can be provided by moving Berbatov up the field.

#4 Benoit Tremoulinas

Tremoulinas has won the Europa League with Sevilla

Delhi Dynamos have struggled with their defence in the first four games of the season. Apart from Gabriel Cichero and Albino Gomes, every other defensive option has been a liability. The need of the hour for the Dynamos is an attacking left back who also defends well to complement Pritam Kotal on the other flank.

Benoit Tremoulinas of France can be a perfect option. He has been a free agent for the past six months after being released by Sevilla in the summer. The 31-year-old is an experienced customer and has played at the top level in La Liga and Ligue 1. He has represented the French national team as well and can be an astute signing for the ISL side in January.

#3 Carlton Cole

Cole has experienced Asian football in the past

The towering English striker has been without a club for the past one year after his stint in the Indonesian Super League ended on a sour note. Looking to prove himself in Asia, he has been on the lookout for a club since the past summer. ISL can offer him a way out with Delhi Dynamos reportedly in the market for a striker.

Scoring goals has not been easy for many teams in the ISL this season and the Dynamos are one of them. For the capital side, a lot of the responsibility lies on the shoulders of Kalu Uche and with the arrival of the former West Ham United striker, the workload can be shared between the two strikers.

#2 Jolean Lescott

The Dynamos are in need of a solid partner for Gabriel Cichero at the back

The 35-year-old central defender has been a free agent since the last summer. He last played for Sunderland before becoming a free agent following the Black Cats' relegation. Lescott is said to be keen on extending his playing career and with the rising number of Englishmen playing and managing in the league, there's a chance that the former Manchester City centre-back could be tempted to move to India.

Delhi Dynamos need a trusted partner for Gabriel Cichero at the heart of their defence and Lescott can prove to be the perfect option.

#1 Tim Cahill

Tim Cahill is reportedly in talks with Delhi Dynamos

After leaving Melbourne City FC, the Australian striker is looking to head to Asia for regular game time in order to stake a claim for a place in Australia's World Cup squad.

He has been linked with a move to the ISL with his agent reportedly claiming that the former Everton striker has an offer from Delhi Dynamos on the table. Kerala Blasters may also join the race soon as Cahill has all the skills in his repertoire to be a hit in the ISL.