ZIMBABWE youth international soccer striker Trevor Mutero is on the shopping list of South African Premiership side Bidvest Wits.

According to reports from Johannesburg, the young England-based player caught the eye of Wits coach Rodger de Sa during last month's Cosafa Under-20 tournament in Gaborone, Botswana. In fact, reports from Johannesburg suggest that de Sa has expressed an interest in Mutero and would like "to have a look" at the former Reading striker who he wants to have trials at his side from January 10.

Mutero, who is currently back in Zimbabwe following the expiry of his contract with English Championship side Reading in August last year, initially indicated that he was interested in joining South African Premiership outfit Kaizer Chiefs.

But it has emerged from Down South that Chiefs were currently not in a position to sign the promising young Zimbabwean striker who is now wanted by Wits.

The Herald understands that Mutero's intended move to Wits is being brokered by former Zimbabwe international centreback Alexander "Mr Cool" Maseko.

Maseko is now based in Johannesburg and has some strong links with Wits whose coach de Sa would first like to have Mutero for a trial period at his club, starting from January 10, before deciding on whether to sign him or not.

When contacted yesterday, Maseko could neither deny nor confirm that Wits were interested in the services of Mutero. The former Highlanders and Darryn T centreback could only say that "something is in the pipeline" for Mutero. Maseko added that a number of South African Premiership sides would also like to have a look at the young striker during this current mid-season break in South Africa.

And if everything goes according to plan, Mutero, who is now a free agent, would join a South African Premiership side during this January transfer-window period.

In fact, last month, Ajax Cape Town assistant coach Wilfred Mugeyi, indicated that he would also like Mutero to undergo a trial period at his Cape Town-based side.

But at that time, nothing materialised for Mutero who is now likely to be on his way to another South African Premiership side Wits.

Wits is also home to former Zimbabwe first-choice goalkeeper Energy Murambadoro.

Former Warriors striker Alois Bunjira also used to turn out for the same Pretoria-based side.

And if Mutero travels to South Africa in the next few days and makes the grade at coach de Sa's side, he will join a host a fellow Zimbabwean players who are already plying their trade in the South African Premiership.

Among them are Warriors key players Khama Billiat (Ajax Cape Town), Thomas Sweswe, Tinashe Nengomasha, Zhaimu Jambo, Lincoln Zvasiya, Willard Katsande (all Kaizer Chiefs) and Carlington Nyadombo of Amazulu.

 Warriors' first-choice goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini is Nyadombo's teammate at Amazulu while another Zimbabwean defender Gilbert Mapemba is at Soweto giants Moroka Swallows together with midfielder Oscar Machapa.