Al Ain to sign Mabkhout? Al Jazira deny transfer rumours

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  • Not Boss bound: Ali Mabkhout (c).

    President’s Cup holders Al Jazira have moved to swat aside transfer rumours which have engulfed the club, including talk talismanic striker Ali Mabkhout could depart for rivals Al Ain.

    Rampant speculation has grown on social media that a rare six-month loan deal could be agreed between the sides so the UAE marksman, 25, could boost the Boss in their 2016 AFC Champions League campaign.

    Without alluding specifically to their star man, the Pride of Abu Dhabi issued a wide-ranging statement decrying such reports.

    “Al Jazira deny the rumours about transfer deals or contracts conducted by the club in preparation for the next season and stress all which is circulating now is rumour,” an official statement said.

    “Any news about contracts or transitions will be officially announced by the management on the club’s official sites on the internet.”

    Meanwhile, playmaker Carlos Villanueva appears to have found a new home at Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad after his seven-year association with Al Shabab was brought to an end.

    Villanueva, 30, departed Maktoum Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium earlier this summer upon the arrival of new coach Fred Rutten. The 13-times-capped Chile international had been keen to remain in the Middle East and widespread reports in the Kingdom state his desire has come to fruition.

    Back in the Arabian Gulf League, Dibba Al Fujairah have bolstered their midfield with the acquisition of Steaua Bucharest’s Nicandro Breeveld.

    Breeveld, 29, will be expected to provide a steadying presence in an anchor role for Paulo Sergio’s men. The Suriname-born player comes to the east coast after scoring twice in 57 appearances for Militarii since joining them in 2014.

    He joins Ivorian left winger Hamed Kone and South Korean centre-back Heo Jae-won on the east coast.

    Emirates Club have taken advantage of Ajman’s failure to gain promotion from First Division League by snapping up forward Ahmed Malalla.

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