Hodges close to Portmore switch

Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

National Striker Devon Hodges appears to be on his way to former Premier League champions Portmore United ahead of the upcoming season.

Ansel Smart, general manager of Rivoli United, the team Hodges represented in the Premier League last season, told The Gleaner yesterday, that his club and Portmore United are currently discussing the details of the player's contract.

The official was also clear on what he believes would be a fair sum for the services of the talented striker.

"We are currently negotiating whether or not it would be a loan or a transfer deal because we want to ensure that we get a lot of financial benefit from it," said Smart.

"We have invested heavily in Hodges over the years and so won't let him go for free to nobody because he is the future of Jamaica's football," Smart said. "I am looking for at least a million dollars for Hodges because I think he's worth it and even more."

Smart added that they have received a lot of interest from clubs around the league, but believes that Portmore would offer the best environment for Hodges to ply his trade next season.

Rivoli was demoted from the Premier League last season, and will now take part in the St Catherine Super League competition next season.

"We are also looking to develop our club and so we want to ensure we get the best deal out there for our top striker because he has proven that he is one of the best players in Jamaica," Smart noted.

When contacted, Howard McIntosh, a director at Portmore, confirmed that negotiations were ongoing between the two St Catherine-based outfits.

"Devon (Hodges) has expressed interest in joining our club and Portmore and Rivoli are now trying to iron out a deal for him," said McIntosh.

The prolific striker has been at Rivoli since 2004 after arriving from Wadadah. He recently had a trial stint with US Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids in February and was also the joint topscorer in the Premier League last season with 18 goals.

The 26-year-old Hodges made his international debut for Jamaica in May last year in a friendly match against El Salvador and scored his first international goal in his second match against Panama in June. He has so far scored two international goals for Jamaica.