Arabian Gulf League leaders Al Ahli have rubbished reports the club have lined up a bid for Valencia midfielder Ever Banega.
Reports in the Spanish media emerged on Wednesday claiming Al Ahli had made a formal €8 million offer for the 25-year-old Argentine, and that the club were hoping to conclude a deal before the end of the January transfer window.
However, the claims made by Spanish Radio station Canal Sur have been dismissed by Al Ahli, who insist they have no interest of tinkering with their squad in the midst of what is shaping up to be an impressive season.
“We have a settled group that are top of the league and we see no reason in making changes at this time,” Al Ahli Sporting Director Roy Aitken told Sport360°.
“Of course, you can never rule anything out in football, but no transfers are being discussed, and I don’t expect any movement this month.”
Indeed, a move for Banega, who has been at Valencia since 2008, would make little sense, given Al Ahli boast their full quota of foreign players.
Brazilian striker and captain Grafite, Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana, and Brazilian forward Ciel are all key components to Al Ahli's campaign, while Chilean Luis Jimenez, who took on Palestinian citizenship at the start of the season, is the club's registered Asian player.
Al Ahli have experienced a topsy-turvy season to date. Result on the pitch have seen the Red Knights secure their place at the top of the table, although a three-point penalty – incurred for fielding a suspended player – means their lead at the top is just three points.
The Dubai-based club have also had to contend with the six-month suspension of head coach Cosmin Olaroiu, who was found guilty in December of breaching his contract with former employers Al Ain.
