Kolkata: Putting all speculations to rest, city giants Mohun Bagan on Monday announced that Indian skipper Baichung Bhutia would don the club's jersey for the coming season.

Bagan General Secretary Anjan Mitra said that Bhutia has sent a letter to the All India Football Federation seeking international transfer from Bury F C, an affiliate of the English Football Association.

Bhutia, who has been chosen skipper of the Vietnam-bound Indian soccer squad, would formally sign for Bagan on August 14 after returning from the South East Asian nation, he said.

The nimble-footed Sikkimese striker, the first Indian footballer to play in the English professional league when he signed for second division club Bury FC three years back, would partner Brazilian upfronter Jose Ramirez Barreto lending an awesome look to the Bagan forwardline.

However, it was unlikely that Bagan would be able to avail of Bhutia's services soon, as national squad chief coach Stephen Philips Constantine has ruled out releasing the players for club duty before the Asian Games.

Bhutia, now training at the national preparatory camp here for the Vietnam tour, also had offers from his old club East Bengal, but settled for Bagan after prolonged negotiations.

Mitra refused to disclose the monetary deal, but said that the amount was 'quite high'.

PTI