Philippines national team striker Mark Hartmann is hoping for an opportunity to make his mark in Singapore with a move to Geylang International as his choice destination.
The Global FC striker has been out since December with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, just when rumours were abuzz that Singapore club Geylang International were keen on his services.
"When talking to Geylang [last year], both I and the club were keen on the move happening," he told ESPN FC.
"My mind was set on playing in Singapore in 2016, but unfortunately, the injury happened just before Christmas and everything fell apart."
Having scored 57 goals in 44 matches for Filipino giants Global, the Azkals star is on the road to recovery, and will begin full training in May.
With the S.League transfer window reopening from May 16 to June 10, the possibility of the Azkals forward plying his trade in Singapore remains viable, and the former Southampton trainee did not rule out a move to become the first Filipino footballer to play in the S.League.
"As I said, my sights were set on Singapore this year and I hope I can still pursue it once I'm fit. I've played in the Singapore Cup [with Global] for the past three years, and every time we go onto the pitch, it's a tough match." he added.
"The standard of football in the S.League is good and it is definitely a well-established league that I would love to be part of."
Despite being focused on getting back into the first team for Global in the United Football League (UFL), Hartmann singled out one club jersey he would love to don, and it is none other than the green and white of S.League side Geylang.
"I got the chance to go up against Geylang in the Singapore Cup a few times and they have always given us a good fight." said the 2014 UFL golden boot winner.
"If the chance to play for Geylang comes along, that'll be great because they seem to have a good setup over there and to be in that team challenging for trophies in Singapore will be a move I'll gladly take with both hands."
While he has been successful at club football, winning the UFL title with Global three years ago, Hartmann is still trying to make his mark on the international stage with the Azkals.
He opened his international account with a brace against Chinese Taipei at the 2014 Philippine Peace Cup, and has gone on to score seven times for his country.
With the 2016 AFF Suzuki Cup taking place in Manila at the end of the year, the mercurial striker who has already scored 111 goals since turning pro in 2010 is determined to return to his scoring ways to play his way back into Philippines coach Thomas Dooley's plans.
"My main goal for now is to get match-fit as soon as possible. I would love to be part of the Suzuki Cup squad, especially since it's on home soil. Hopefully by the time the tournament comes around, I'll be available for selection and can help the team."
Should things go his way, 2016 could be a year of many firsts for the giant striker. To be the first Filipino to play in the S.League and to help the Azkals win the Suzuki Cup for the first time in their history.