Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club have been told by Galatasaray to return with an improved €8 million (Dh34.2m) offer for Morocco attacking midfielder Younes Belhanda if they want to complete their ambitious swoop, according to reports.
Belhanda, 28, has earned a reputation as a creative force at Montpellier, Dynamo Kiev, Schalke 04 and Nice. He has registered two assists during four Super Lig run-outs this term for Gala, but a red card for his violent stamp before the international break in a 4-0 thrashing by Trabzonspor has tested the patience of head coach Fatih Terim.
Takvim stated that a €6m (Dh25.6m) bid to take him to the Arabian Gulf League was rejected this week. This must be raised by €2m (Dh8.6m) for it be successful.
Shabab Al Ahli have until October 2’s close of the transfer window in the UAE to seal their swoop for the World Cup 2018 call-up.
They have undertaken an extensive revamp after last season’s trying inaugural campaign that followed the amalgamation of Al Shabab, Al Ahli and Dubai SC.
FC Dallas playmaker Mauro Diaz, Santos loanee Emiliano Vecchio and Beijing Renhe striker Jaime Ayovi have all been added to the foreign quartet during the summer.
Chilean coach Jose Luis Sierra was recruited from King Cup holders Al Ittihad of Saudi Arabia to oversee the process.
Injury prone Moldova forward Henrique Luvannor appears most at risk if a change is made. He has been linked to Dubai neighbours Al Nasr and strugglers Emirates Club.
