Ex-Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant set for Tampines Rovers trial
Tampines Rovers chairman Krishna Ramachandra believes that Jermaine Pennant could be a "very positive" addition should the five-time S.League champions sign the former Liverpool winger.
The 32-year-old midfielder is set to link up with the Stags when he arrives later this week and will train with V. Sundramoorthy's side for a week.
While Krishna was keen to stress that a deal had not yet been struck, Pennant, an ex-England youth international who began his career at Arsenal, has the right attributes to make a positive contribution at the club.
Krishna told The New Paper: "To begin with, he will be here for just trials first, so it's not a foregone conclusion that he will sign for us.
"I've always maintained any foreign player who comes here to play has to fit the team, bolster what we already have and enhance the squad.
"With his experience and pedigree, he could potentially be someone who's very positive to the club, especially for our younger players."
Experienced
A Champions League finalist in 2007 when Liverpool lost 2-1 to AC Milan in Athens, Pennant has a wealth of experience playing in the English Premier League for other clubs like Birmingham and Stoke City.
He last played for Wigan in the Championship last season before opting to continue his career elsewhere following the Latics' relegation to League One.
According to Red Card Sports Radio, the Englishman had an unsuccessful week-long trial with Thai Premier League side Muangthong United in November.
Clinching Pennant's signature would be a strong signal of intent for ambitious Tampines, who last lifted the S.League trophy in 2013.
After missing out on the title by four points last season, the Stags have already pounced to land eight players from the now-defunct LionsXII.
Read the full report in our print edition on Jan 5.
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