KUALA TERENGGANU: There is every possibility that former Holland international George Boateng (pic) will be playing for T-Team next season.

The 37-year-old midfielder, who began his senior football career in 1994 at SBV Excelsior in Rotterdam before settling at the more renowned Feyenoord, is keen to play in the Super League.

Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said said, Boateng, who in 1998 moved to the English Premier League until 2008 where he had spells with Coventry, Aston Villa and Middlesborough, has agreed in principle to join T-Team.

"All that is needed now is his signature on the dotted line and, hopefully, that can be done soon," said Ahmad,  who revealed  the Ghana-born player who played for Nottingham Forest last season, is super fit for his age.

According to sources close to T-Team, Boateng who is now a free agent, will be in Kuala Terengganu before the middle of this month.

For the record, Boateng has four caps with Holland.

However, Ahmad said T-Team's plan to sign Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has hit a snag due to the 37-year-old striker's current commitments.

"But we are not giving up hope on him just yet. We will do whatever is necessary to try to change his mind," he said.

The menteri besar, who is responsible for securing state government funds for T-Team, said high-profile signings like Fowler and Boateng will go a long way in generating public interest and boosting support for the club.

Ahmad said T-Team are due to get a bigger budget compared to last season's as the cost of everything has gone up considerably.

"Other teams are spending more money to prepare for the new season and we have to do same thing if we are serious about challenging for honours next season.

"If we manage to sign quality players and have a good start to the new season, then surely a lot more fans will be at our home matches and that means a higher gate collection for T-Team," he said.

- New Straits Times