Beetles spurn Kirins' record offer for Ekanit

Over the past few years, Muang Thong have sold or loaned a large number of their top stars to other clubs including Chanathip Songkrasin, Theerathon Bunmathan, Kawin Thamsatchanan, Teerasil Dangda and Adisak Kraisorn.

The Kirins last month sold two more key players -- defender Adisorn Promrak to Port and midfielder Sarach Yooyen to BG Pathum.

Following an outcry from their fans, Muang Thong have promised to bring in big-name players.

Muang Thong director Ronnarit Suewaja revealed yesterday the Kirins had offered Chiang Rai 55 million baht -- which would be the highest transfer fee in Thai football history -- for Ekanit.

"We want Ekanit," said Ronnarit.

He said the two clubs had a good relationship as the Kirins sold Tanaboon Kesarat to the Beetles in 2017 in one of the biggest transfer deals in Thai football.

But Chiang Rai chairman Miti Tiyapairat was quick to reject the bid for one of the country's brightest young stars.

"We have already rejected Muang Thong's offer," he said. "If we are to sell Ekanit, we will only sell him to a foreign club."

Thailand international Ekanit played a key role in helping Chiang Rai win their first-ever top-flight title last season.

He has already played three times for the national team and scored one goal. Chiang Rai and Ekanit have just signed a four-year contract extention.

The Thai League 1 season was suspended in March after four rounds of matches due to the Covid-19 pandemic. True Bangkok United and Ratchaburi have 12 points, two ahead of Port and BG Pathum. Muang Thong are seventh with six points from two wins and two defeats. The season is scheuled to resume in September.