DUBAI // Dubai club hope to announce their new manager before the end of the week after the club revealed the chosen candidate played an active role in their recent recruitment of three foreign players.
The Al Awer side have been searching for a successor to Rene Marsiglia since the end of last season, when they decided not to renew the Frenchman's contract following a disappointing 2012/13 campaign which saw them finish 11th in the 14-team Pro League.
While the majority of their UAE rivals have been busy in the transfer market this summer, Dubai club had been understandably quiet, adding to their squad only Abdullah Malallah, the midfielder from Al Ain, and Ali Msarri, Al Dhafra's experienced defender.
However, on Sunday they reported the signings of Pasquale Foggia, the much-travelled Italian winger from Lazio, Brazilian striker Andre Alves from Cypriot side Omonia, and Mali's Aboubacar Tambadou from AS Marsa.
The sudden influx of expatriates suggested a managerial appointment was imminent, with a club source then confirming the coach will be in place by early next week at the latest.
The official would not disclose the identity of Marsiglia's successor, however he did rule out Walter Zenga, the former Al Nasr manager who is believed to be keen on continuing his career in the UAE.
Whoever is installed, he should already have a full foreign contingent to choose from as the club are close to sealing a deal for next season's Asian player.
Dubai had carte blanche to fill the four overseas spots having released Richard Porta, Rodrigo Vergilio, Juliano Roberto Antonello and Magrao.
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