Dutchman Jan Versleijen has emerged in the race to succeed sacked Al Wasl coach Diego Maradona. 

Versleijen is no stranger to the UAE having spent five years in the country and coached Abu Dhabi giants Al Jazira (2001-03 and 2006-07), Al Wahda (2007-08) and Al Shaab (2004-05).

And rumours are that the 56-year-old former Australia Under-20 boss is among the five contenders to replace Maradona, dismissed last week after a year into his two-year contract.

A source close to the club said, Versleijen, who took over at Chinese Super League (CSL) club Henan Jianye, in December last year after the Football Federation of Australia’s decision to restructure his role, is keen on moving to Dubai. 

“Meetings are ongoing to decide who is best to lead this club forward, but no decision has yet been taken. There are a few names on the table, and the board hopes to make things clearer soon as we hope to start pre-season activities,” the source said.

According to reports in Argentina, Maradona is keen on demanding he be paid compensation for the whole year. 

However, Al Wasl are ready to pay just two months wages in compensation, which will “honour the penalty clause mentioned in the contract signed between the parties and not a whole year’s salary” the source said. 

A spokesman for the club said the decision to sack the 51-year-old is irreversible, but that the club’s management is ready to meet the Argentine face-to-face if he comes to Dubai. 

As far as the overseas positions in the side go, prolific Morocco international striker Yassine Salhi has been linked with a move to the Zabeel. The 24-year-old, currently with Raja Casablanca, has scored six goals in five international appearances for Morocco. 

Meanwhile, Mohammed Reza Khalatbari, one of three players dismissed by Wasl at the end of the season, has returned to Iran and joined giants Sepahan. 

Wasl’s cross town rivals Al Ahli start their preseason training at the Rashid Stadium tomorrow, but coach Quique Sanchez-Flores is expected to arrive in early August and then oversee the Red Knights’ overseas training camp in Malaga in Southern Spain soon after Eid. 

Ahli retained the services of striker Grafite, central defender Mohammed Yousef and Luis Jimenez too has been convinced against a return to Italy where Serie A side Sampdoria were interested in paying as much as $3.5 million for his services. 

Ahli are yet to sign a fourth overseas player to fill the void resulting from Achille Emana’s return to Al Hilal following the completion of his six-month loan spell. Ahli have loaned Sharjah six players in return for the transfer of highly-rated Olympic team defender Abdulaziz Sanqour.

 

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