DUBAI // Al Nasr expect to confirm their new manager in the next 24 hours, with Bernd Schuster, the former Real Madrid coach, one of only two names being considered.
The Dubai club have been searching for a successor to Walter Zenga since parting company with the Italian on June 1, and have maintained that their shortlist contained three options.
Nasr openly courted Schuster, the German, who last managed Besiktas before leaving the Turkish side in March 2011. They were also in serious negotiations with Mano Menezes, the former coach of the Brazil national team.
Although Schuster, 53, has not held a coaching role for the past two years, he remains an attractive name throughout Europe and has recently been linked with a return to Turkey.
The other candidate at Nasr is believed to be Spanish, with Ernesto Valverde touted as a possibility after he stood down as Valencia manager last week.
Nasr yesterday dismissed the Valverde rumours completely, although a club source did reveal their attempts to replace Zenga were "almost closed".
"We will make an announcement by Tuesday," the official said. "We have made an offer to the person we want and wait only for his agreement."
Whoever arrives, his squad could already contain Ibrahima Toure. The Senegalese striker, who enjoyed a prolific period at Ajman, is reportedly close to joining Nasr from Monaco in France.
COSMIN OLAROIU SPECULATION ENDS AS SAUDI'S AL AHLI SIGN PEREIRA
Vitor Pereira, who led Porto to the Portuguese title last season, has signed a two-year deal to coach Saudi side Al Ahli. Cosmin Olaroiu of Al Ain was thought to be a candidate for the job, but instead it will be Pereira joining.
Meanwhile, Ajman coach Abdulwahab Abdulqadir has penned a one-year contract extension and the club have signed Mohammad Reza Khalatbari from Sepahan.
