Al Hilal Targets Obed Ansah & Esme Mends

SUDANESE side, Al Hilal has officially expressed interest in roping into their fold, Accra Hearts of Oak's Obed Ansah and Esme Mends in a bid to strengthen their squad for the upcoming CAF competitions.

A very reliable source disclosed to 90 Minutes on Monday morning that Hilal formally put in a request for the two hardworking midfielders soon after the friendly international game between Hearts and Hilal last Sunday which saw the two sides playing a 2-2 drawn game. Though Hearts have indicated they are not ready to accept any offer for the two players who joined from Heart of Lions and Tema Real Sportive respectively in the off season, sources close to the club says the club would consider releasing the two players if the Sudanese club meets their demands.

“Hearts are only prepared to consider the release of the two players if our demands for both players are met,” the source said. “Obed and Esme are valuable assets so we won't release them just for the sake of it. Moreso we cannot do away with these two influential players when we need them so much to help us win the premiership title this season. They are quite influential in the team so and so it might be bad business to sell them at this moment”. Hilal are believed to have made an initial offer of $1m for both players and are hoping to get a positive response from Hearts to commence negotiations. Both players were outstanding when the two sides cancelled each other in a 2-2 stalemate last Sunday evening in Sudan.