Al Jazira rule out Robinho move as Marseille and Porto lodge Barrada bids

Jon Turner 22:44 05/08/2014
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  • In demand: Abdelaziz Barrada is attracting interest from Marseille and Porto.

    Abdelaziz Barrada could be on his way out of Al Jazira after the club received two offers from Europe, although the Abu Dhabi side have ruled out a move for Robinho as the Moroccan’s replacement.

    Barrada moved to Jazira 12 months ago for a fee in the region of $10m (Dhs36.7m) and the 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive maiden season, scoring 10 goals in 22 games to help his team to a third-place league finish.

    However, the former Getafe star could be making a swift exit from the UAE after Jazira confirmed to Sport360° they had received offers from French club Marseille and Portuguese giants Porto.

    “Bids have been made for Barrada – one from Marseille and one from Porto,” a source close to Al Jazira told Sport360°. “That does not mean he will definitely leave.

    – Al Ahli refuse to rule out shock move for AC Milan star Robinho

    “He is with the rest of the squad in Switzerland preparing for the new season. We are happy to keep him and no decision has yet been made.”

    Should Barrada return to Europe, Al Jazira insist the playmaker will not be replaced by Brazilian forward Robinho, despite reports to the contrary.

    Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli have held talks with Robinho’s agent over a move to Dubai. It has been claimed Jazira have identified the 30-year-old as Barrada’s potential replacement and were prepared to hijack the deal.

    However, the links to the AC Milan forward have been strongly denied.

    “No, Jazira will not be making any attempt to sign Robinho,” the source said. “If Barrada leaves, there is no interest in signing Robinho.

    “Remember there is no guarantee Barrada will leave. The club want him to stay.”

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