A tug of war is brewing among three Absa Premiership teams for the services of former Black Leopards forward Joseph Mhlongo.

The forward is now a free agent, with his deal in Limpopo coming to an end on June 30, and is free to sign with a team of his choice. Lidoda Dhuva are believed to have offered the player an improved contract, but it was turned down by the player and his representatives, the Siya crew has learnt.

Ahead of the 2018/19 campaign, the burly striker was heavily linked with the two biggest football clubs in the country, Chiefs and Pirates, but Leopards managed to retain his services.

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His agent, Ratshibvumo Mulovhedzi of Rush Hour Sports confirmed interest in the striker’s services and revealed that it is only a matter of time before he puts pen to paper with a club.

“Mhlongo is a special player, that is why I’ve got no pressure. Leopards offered us an improved contract, which was very good, but when I look at him and his age, we are looking for the best contract for him because it might be his last contract.

“I’ve spoken to teams but they are afraid to commit because of uncertainty with the league - when the league resumes, that’s when they will commit. Highlands Park are very interested in him, Celtic too, Lehlohonolo Seema is the one who admired him a lot so he might revisit his interest in the player at Chippa, so we will see,” Mulovhedzi told the Siya crew.

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Mhlongo spent three seasons with Lidoda Dhuva and his most memorable campaign was during the 2018/18 season where he scored five goals for the Limpopo outfit in the club's quest for promotion.