With Kaizer Chiefs understood to have been eyeing Ismael Toure as a potential signing in this transfer window, close sources have spoken of a possible impasse in the anticipated deal.
Toure has been a transfer target for Chiefs and Orlando Pirates after he proved to be one of the most consistent centre-backs in the league in the last two seasons.
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Since his days with Marumo Gallants where he was influential in the team's impressive CAF Confederation Cup campaign, the Ivorian continued with good performances at Stellenbosch FC after joining the club last year.
The 26-year-old's 34 appearances in all competitions didn't go unnoticed, with the Soweto giants keen on landing his signature.
While the player is understood to be keen on leaving for greener pastures, there could be a stumbling block from Stellenbosch who are said to be reluctant to lose the defender despite appearing to have changed their minds on transfers.
Having initially said that they would not be entertaining offers for their key players, the Cape Winelands outfit sold trusted defender and captain Deano van Rooyen to Orlando Pirates this week, while there is a pending move for Bafana Bafana striker Iqraam Rayners to Mamelodi Sundowns.
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While Toure had hoped that he would get his wish to play for one of the big clubs in Gauteng, it seems he may be unsuccessful in getting the move in this transfer window, according to sources.
"There has been a lot of interest in Ismael Toure, and both Chiefs and Pirates have been keen on his services. He hoped that he would leave but it doesn't look like that will happen soon. The thing is he really wanted to take his career to another level but that might have been viewed differently by the club (Stellenbosch) as if he was trying to force the move. Having said that, the transfer window is still open, and anything can still happen, but like I say it doesn't look like there will be a move this winter," said the source.
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