Jamshedpur FC have begun preparations for next edition’s Indian Super League (ISL) in the right earnest by tapping players for the upcoming season of the cash-rich tournament.

The Tata Steel-owned club does not want to lag behind when it comes to signing top players for the franchise and the club is negotiating with former India defender Anas Edathodika and young winger Komal Thatal.

"Both Anas and Thatal are on our radar. Negotiations are on at the moment but we are keen to sign these two players,” a JFC team management member said on the condition of anonymity.

Anas, who is from Kerala, was part of Jamshedpur side during the club’s ISL debut in the 2017-18 season while Sikkim’s Thatal was with ATK Mohun Bagan in the last season. He was in the Indian team for the under-17 World Cup in 2017.

Sources said JFC’s head coach Owen Coyle and CEO Mukul Choudhari are busy negotiating with probable players, including foreigners.

Choudhari could not be reached for comments.

Jamshedpur, who stitched out a crack unit in the last ISL by signing top players, including goal-machine Nerijus Valskis, managed an ordinary show by finishing sixth in the tournament held in Goa. The club is keen to put the past in the backburner and start afresh.

Lithuanian forward Valskis has been signed on a two year contract while other foreigners like Peter Hartley (United Kingdom), Stefen Eze (Nigeria) and Alex Lima (Brazil) had been roped in for a year.

It remains to be seen if JFC again goes for them in the upcoming season. Valskis, on the other hand, is free to play for other clubs who will have to only pay the transfer fee. But that situation is unlikely since Coyle had brought in Valskis from Chennaiyin FC the last season. Both have great understanding between them.

Scotland-born Coyle also has great faith in the leadership qualities of English defender Hartley who captained the side the last season. Hartley may very well turn out in JFC colours once again.

Meanwhile, forward Aniket Jadhav has left Jamshedpur FC. The under-17 World Cupper has moved to Hyderabad FC for the forthcoming ISL season.

Jamshedpur have not been able to reach the play-offs after making ISL debut in 2017-18 season. The club has experimented with four coaches Steve Coppell, Cesar ,Antonio Iriondo and Owen Coyle in a bid to change the fortunes of the team.