Al Jazira are set to announce the signing of Uzbekistan international Sardor Rashidov from El Jaish.
The UAE champions, in the process of remodelling their foreign contingent, have finalised a deal for the forward, although until now no official confirmation has been made.
Rashidov, 26, had spent the past two years with El Jaish in the Qatar Stars League.
Despite winning the Arabian Gulf League title last season, Jazira have resolved to overhaul their four foreign slots, with Frenchman Lassana Diarra already recruited.
The former Real Madrid, Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder last played for Marseille, but was released in February.
At Jazira, Diarra will be joined by Rashidov, who takes the Asian spot of South Korean midfielder Park Jong-woo, although the capital club had also made an offer to Australian Robbie Kruse.
Park is expected to move to Emirates club, while Jazira are apparently willing to listen to offers for Leonardo.
The Brazilian forward, a 2016 Asian Champions League winner with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, joined the only in January. Compatriots Ailton Almeida and Juan Carlos have also been allowed to leave.
Rashidov, who can play in the centre or on the flanks, moved to El Jaish in July 2015 following a spell in Uzbekistan with Bunyodkor.
During his five years at the club, he won the Uzbek top flight three times and the Uzbek Cup twice.
Rashidov’s form for Bunyodkor prompted the move to Qatar, where he scored 23 goals in 48 league games.
Last year, he helped the Doha side, now recognised as Al Duhail having merged with Qatar champions Lekhwiya, progress to the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League. They were defeated 5-3 on aggregate by Al Ain.
Rashidov, meanwhile, is a regular for the Uzbekistan national team having made his debut in 2013. He has been capped 30 times, scoring nine goals.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
