Meanwhile, Fujairah have confirmed that the $7.5m (Dh25.7m ) transfer of Chilean playmaker Jorge Valdivia from Brazilians Palmeiras has collapsed after failing to agree personal terms.

The 30-year-old was pictured wearing a club scarf last Thursday, with the move heralded as a sign of Fujairah’s ambitions.

Warning signs appeared at the weekend, however, as the ex-Al Ain star unexpectedly headed back to Brazil.

Reigning champions Al Ahli could take advantage of the situation, with the player desiring a move to a Dubai-based club that is ready to meet his wage demands.

Valdivia was a star for Chile at the World Cup in Brazil but announced his retirement from international football just days after news broke of his move to the UAE.