East Bengal is looking at the prospect of hiring Pakistani striker Mohammad Essa, who impressed in the just-concluded drawn India-Pakistan series, in Pakistan.

According to the club sources, Essa has been sounded out and he expressed willingness to join the Kolkata giants this season.

The proposal was mooted by United Breweries [Get Quote] Group, East Bengal's sponsor. The group's representative in East Bengal, Amit Sen, has spoken to Essa. If the signing happens it could mean advertisement mileage for the company.

However, East Bengal officials are still weighing the option of signing Essa on.

"Though the sponsors are very keen on Essa, because it would mean publicity and marketing mileage, we have to think about it very hard," said a club official.

They admitted being happy with Essa's performance and hoped he would add to the team's striking force.

"But issues like visa and work permit have to be addressed because this is an India-Pakistan thing you see," added senior official.

"But if we eventually decide to bring him on, I think the official paperwork would not be a problem considering the present bonhomie between the two countries."

The club will also discuss Essa's role with coach Subhash Bhowmick.

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