Robin Gnagne swerves Kotoko ; Set to sign new Hearts deal

Accra Hearts of Oak’s priceless defender, Robin Gnagne, has averted a potential transfer battle between the Phobians and their arch-rivals, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, as he last Monday acquiesced to a renewal bid by the club.

The Ivorian-born defender, who has been donning the rainbow shirt for the past three years, has accepted the terms of a new two-year contract offered by Hearts.

The player’s three-year contract was only few months away from its expiry.

Hearts’ public relations officer, Muheeb Saeed, told the Graphic Sports yesterday that the player had agreed to renew his contract with Hearts and putting to rest rumours that he was set to quit Hearts following the failure to renew his contract.

He disclosed that the player had settled his part of the deal and was left for Hearts to oblige with the settlement of the player’s financial inducement.

“As soon as the money hits Robin’s account, he will put pen to paper for the new deal.

 “This we expect to happen when the team returns from Mali after the CAF Confederation Cup duel with Djoliba,” said the Hearts official.

The new twist puts paid to the rival bid being rumoured to have been prepared by Kotoko to upstage the Phobians in the acquisition of the player.

Meanwhile, a contingent of 30, made up of 18 players of Hearts, is expected to leave Accra this morning to Bamako for their 1/16th CAF Confederation duel at the Modibo Keita Stadium in Bamako on Friday.

The players likely to make the trip are goalkeepers Salouma Abdoulaye and Tetteh Lugard with defenders, Owusu Bempah, Isaac Oduro, Kweku Andoh, Fatawu Mohammed, Robin Gnagne and Phillip Boampong.

The rest include Sabahn Laryea, Paul Acquah, Isaac Mensah, Foovi Aguidi, Leonard Tawiah, Gilbert Fiamenyo, Richard Yamoah, Shaun October and Eric Kumi.