Ashanti Gold have signed Kumasi Asante Kotoko goalkeeper George Owu on a two-year deal.

Owu was among a number of senior players offloaded by Kotoko at the beginning of the 2005 season.

He teams up with former Kotoko teammate, Joseph Hendricks at the Obuasi club.

Chief Executive Officer of Ashgold, Andy Sam, told Joy Sports that the club is hopeful Owu brings a lot of experience to the fold to buoy the team?s performance.

?Owu is a player with a lot of experience and we?re glad that he?s signed for us.?

We hope he brings his huge experience top bear on our team, but we?ve got to give credit to Kotoko for the professional manner they went about the negotiations.? Andy Sam said.

Though Owu was initially linked with a move to Liberty, Ashanti gold have emerged as clear favorites to sign the national under 23 goalkeeper.

Owu?s name was also not on a list of 35 players? released by coach Malik Jabir as his squad for the 2005 season.

Another player who might soon find his way out of the Porcupine warriors? camp is Louis Quainoo.

Kotoko are yet to register the goalkeeper who has also been accused of not living up to the club?s disciplinary code.

Meanwhile Ashgold are close to the capture of another experienced player, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour of Accra Hearts of Oak.

The player begun training sessions with the miners on Thursday but cannot feature for Ashgold yet in the Premiership due to the unavailability of his International Transfer Certificate.

Kuffour returned to Ghana last month after a brief stint in the Iranian league.