By BEN NADARAJAN

NOT content with winning two cup competitions this season, Tanjong Pagar United is already looking to strengthen its squad in a bid to win the S-League title next year.

Club sources said that they were having talks with Australian international Ernie Tapai. The midfielder was recommended to the Jaguars by fellow Australian Vlado Bozinoski.

Jaguars' general manager Richard Woon was reluctant to confirm if the club had been in contact with the player, but said:

"We are always keen on signing quality players, but they must also fit within the tight budget that we are operating on."

Another problem facing the club is that each team is only allowed to have four foreigners next season.

The Jaguars already have five foreign players -- Bozinoski, Dragan Talajic, Jorg Steinbrunner, Majid Motlagh and Nicodeme Boucher -- on its books.

That would mean that at least two of them would have to leave if Tapai signs on with the club. Motlagh looks likely to go, as his club Piroozi FC wants him back.

If Tanjong Pagar wants to keep him, it will have to pay a compensation and, in these difficult financial times, the Jaguars may just let their star player go.

The player is also torn between club and family.

Said the Iranian: "I would like to stay and help the club win the S-League. However, my wife is very lonely here. She has no friends and would like to return to Iran."

As for the locals, coach Tohari Paijan confirmed that the core of the team is willing to stay.

He said: "Most of the Singaporeans have decided to stay and help the club win the title next season."

He also confirmed that skipper Lim Tong Hai and striker Steven Tan have signed new contracts.

Tan, the scorer of 16 goals this season, said: "This team is very good. I am very happy with the club, the coach and the management.