Veteran coach Shafiqul Islam Manik may leave Chittagong Abahani to take charge of Bangladesh Premier League champions Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club for the upcoming season, depending on a final negotiation with the Dhanmondi officials today.

The former Muktijoddha and Mohammedan coach was reportedly contacted due to the club coach Joseph Afusi's unavailability. Manik, who joined the Chittagong outfit at the end of last season and delivered the Sheikh Kamal International Club Cup title, has reportedly been going through a few issues with the club officials, which is believed to have spurred him to look for a new destination.

Anwarul Karim Helal, manager of Sheikh Jamal, confirmed that negotiation was at a later stage, but a final decision will be made only after a meeting with Manik today.    

The Sheikh Jamal official further informed that Afusi will not be able to join in time due to visa complications, which is the reason they are looking for a new coach.

Manik himself, when contacted, admitted he was in talks with the Dhanmondi officials and that there were genuine reasons for him to contemplate a move away from Chittagong Abahani.

Helal, meanwhile, informed that they would be retaining four players from last season – Jamal Bhuiyan, Sohel Rana, Shahidul Alam and Yeasin Khan -- while the club has already roped in players like Topu Barman, Jewel Rana, Hemanta Vincent Biswas, Enamul Haque from other clubs and flew in expatriates like Reasat Khaton and Joseph Noor for trial.

With the domestic season still a month away, Sheikh Jamal begin  their season on February 23 when they play away to Singapore outfit Tampines Rovers in AFC Cup.