India captain Bhaichung Bhutia will sign a year's 'contract' with East Bengal on Monday, the club's football secretary Santosh Bhattacharya said on Saturday even as the move evoked criticism from Mohun Bagan, who had suspended the ace striker.

Bhutia, who will be handed over the red-and-gold jersey in presence of supporters and officials, will turn up for the city giants under the captaincy of Syed Rahim Nabi, Bhattacharya told PTI.

The football icon, embroiled in a row with Mohun Bagan that had suspended him for six months without pay, had already taken up the matter with Indian Football Association (IFA).

Though Bhutia's contract with Mohun Bagan is set to expire in 2010, the East Bengal official claimed it's not a contract but an understanding without any advance payment.

"Bhutia has signed on a Mohun Bagan letterhead that does not mention about any advance. It's not a contract but an oral agreement and he can come out of it anytime," Bhattacharya said.

After signing on the pact, Bhutia and East Bengal will leave the matter to the discretion of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Indian Football Association (IFA).