JOHOR Darul Ta'zim (JDT) are set to bring some EPL muscle into the M-League with the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers' Under-23 midfielder Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan.
Born to a Malaysian mother and an English-Chinese father, Shio is set to join the Southern Tigers in a mid-season transfer, as announced by JDT technical director Alistair Edwards on Thursday.
"JDT have reached an agreement to sign Malaysian heritage player Nathaniel from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
"The agreement is subject to a successful Malaysian citizenship application and will take place at the end of his current contract in June."
However, details of whether Shio's transfer is on a loan or permanent basis is yet to be disclosed.
JDT fans have reacted positively to Shio's coming. Facebook user Daeng Tzeno said: "Like it or not, JDT will create an unstoppable Harimau Malaya (players) line-up."
Ridwan Rosli, who commended JDT on their ability to seek naturalised players from across the world, said: "Powerlah JDT's scouting team. Able to find heritage players (just like that)."
Ibnu Uthman Yusuf applauded JDT's effort, and challenged the other teams to follow suit: "I would like to see other clubs build a team like JDT to make local football interesting. I am convinced the M-League has big potential to reach immense success because Malaysia's demographic is unique – just like England as well.
"But it's unfortunate TMJ (Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, JDT club owner) is the only one. I am convinced if there are 4 TMJs in the M-League, then the league will catch the world's attention."