The Kolkata giants have roped in winger Vineeth and defender Rino as part of strengthening their squad ahead of making debut in the Indian Super League.

The Kolkata giants have roped in winger Vineeth and defender Rino as part of strengthening their squad ahead of making debut in the Indian Super League.

The Kolkata giants have roped in winger Vineeth and defender Rino as part of strengthening their squad ahead of making debut in the Indian Super League.

Kerala footballers C K Vineeth and Rino Anto will play for East Bengal next season. The Kolkata giants have roped in winger Vineeth and defender Rino as part of strengthening their squad ahead of making debut in the Indian Super League (ISL).

East Bengal have also signed defender Mohammed Irshad from Gokulam Kerala FC.

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Close friends Rino and Vineeth played together for Kerala Blasters in the 2017-18 season. Rino appeared for Bengaluru this ISL season, while Vineeth donned Jamsehdpur FC's colours.

However, it was a season to forget for both the players. Vineeth manged to score just one goal - against Blasters at Kochi - from 10 matches, while Rino made a solitary appearance.

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Kolkata is a familiar terrain for both Rino and Vineeth. Rino began his professional career for Mohun Bagan in 2008. Vineeth on the other hand went on to become a key player of Kolkata outfits Chirag United and Prayag United from 2012-14 after leaving Viva Kerala.

C K Vineeth, right, has played for Kerala Blasters in the ISL. File photo

East Bengal are also in talks with striker V P Suhair who played for Bagan last season.