Following in the footsteps of arch-rival East Bengal, Mohun Bagan is planning to tie up with a prominent Japanese club.

"We are in talks with a prominent J-League club for a footballing and commercial pact that will be beneficial to both," Mohun Bagan official Balaram Choudhury said.

But Bagan officials would not divulge details of the proposed deal that may be clinched when Choudhury visits Japan next month. "We will have a clearer picture in the next couple of weeks, but we can say that it is going to be different from what another club has signed with an English side," an official said.

Earlier this month, East Bengal entered into a three-year contract with English Premier League side Leicester City, under which the Kolkata side will get to play practice matches against Leicester and make use of the English team's coaches and facilities.

Leicester City were promoted from the first division last season and are currently 18th in the twenty-team Premier League.

East Bengal will play a friendly later this season against Leicester and members of the English club's training staff will co-ordinate coaching programmes in India, according to Leicester City official Paul Mace.

The deal will help to promote Leicester City not only in the subcontinent but the whole of Asia.

Mohun Bagan's proposed pact with the J-League side will also allow its players to go and train in the partner club and also, possibly, share sponsorship and marketing deals.