Bani Yas and Sharjah zone in on new bosses

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  • Pablo Repetto.

    Repetto, 42, has emerged as the main candidate to succeed Dr Abdullah Misfer, potentially bringing an end to a circuitous quest. A multi-year contract should be inked once the Uruguayan travels to the Middle East on Friday.

    The Sky Blues’ target may arrive on the back of a continental triumph, with the second leg of the decider against Colombia’s Atletico Nacional being played out in the early hours of Thursday morning UAE time. Ecuador’s Independiente travel to Colombia after a 1-1 draw during last week’s opening clash.

    Victory will provide entry to December’s prestigious FIFA Club World Cup and possible exposure on a grander stage. But this scenario is not expected to terminate the switch.

    Repetto had an undistinguished career as a player, featuring mainly for Centro Atletico Fenix before serious injury struck. After spells as a coach at several Uruguayan sides and Bolivia’s Club Blooming, he moved to Independiente four years ago.

    Los Negriazules have proven giantkillers during the latest Libertadores, Argentinian heavyweights River Plate and Boca Juniors being slain on the way to the final. This aspect will appeal to Bani, who finished a disappointing ninth last term in the Arabian Gulf League under Dr Misfer and predecessor Luis Garcia.

    DONIS DOUBLE-TAKE AS SHARJAH UP OFFER

    Ambitious Sharjah have been rewarded for returning to the negotiating table with Giorgos Donis after an increased financial offer convinced him to perform a U-turn on becoming their next boss.

    Donis, 46, rejected a two-year package last week worth $5 million for himself and his technical staff. But the addition of an extra $1m per annum has persuaded the ex-Al Hilal supremo to suspend thoughts of returning to European club management and head for the AGL.

    The 24-times-capped Greece midfielder travelled to the UAE on Wednesday to put the finishing touches to the deal which will see him replace rookie Abdulaziz Al Anbari.

    This move is the latest show of strength from the King, who are determined to avoid a third-successive scrap against relegation. They have already made the eye-catching capture of Venezuela striker Gelmin Rivas, who at giants Al Ittihad was second top scorer during the 2015/16 Saudi Professional League.

    One of Hilal centre-back Digao, 28, or Deportivo Tachira’s Wilker Angel, 23, will come in to boost the defence. Another former charge from Hilal in forward Ailton, 31, and Kuwait centre midfielder Aziz Mashaan, 27, have also been linked.

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