Australian midfielder favourite to fill foreign contingent at Al Ain

Al Ain will complete their foreign contingent within the next 48 hours, with the club close to finalising a deal for an Asian player.

The Pro League champions have left until late the recruitment of a fourth overseas player, having already added Jires Kembo Ekoko, the Congolese striker from Rennes, to a squad that includes Asamoah Gyan and Mirel Radoi.

Alex Brosque, the Australian midfielder at the J-League side Shimizu S-Pulse in Japan, remains the strongest candidate for the final position after Al Ain whittled down a shortlist to only two names.

A spokesman for the Garden City club would not reveal the player's identity, but confirmed he should join on a two-year deal and will be expected to go straight into the first team. "We will have an announcement in the next 48 hours, maybe before," the spokesman said. "We're getting closer to the deal. We're just sorting out a few things with the player, although it is doubtful he will be available for Friday's match with Ajman."

Al Ain will be eager to integrate the player as quickly as possible, especially following last Sunday's season-opening 6-3 defeat at home to Al Ahli, the Dubai club touted this season as title rivals.

"The player has been playing regular football for his club so he should be up to match sharpness and fitness," the spokesman said.

jmcauley@thenational.ae

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