Arabian Gulf League champions Al Jazira could be set for late disappointment in their chase for electric Brazilian forward Romarinho after Qatar’s Al Rayyan and Al Sadd emerged as strong competition.

The Pride of Abu Dhabi believed two weeks ago that a deal was done for the 26-year-old, who is a free agent after April’s liquidation of El Jaish. But he has stayed away from a pre-season training camp in the Netherlands – unlike ex-club-mate and Uzbekistan winger Sardor Rashidov, UAE forward Ahmed Khalil and ex-France defensive midfielder Lassana Diarra, who are integrating into the squad.

Complications caused by the ongoing Qatar blockade and the allure of dual citizenship has made the €7.5 million (Dh36.2m) buy from Corinthians in September 2014 now more likely to remain in Doha.

Rayyan need to find a buyer for 70-cap Paraguay defensive midfielder Victor Caceres if they are to make space in their four-player foreign quota for a target with 40 goals in 72 Qatar Stars League games. Spain and Barcelona legend Xavi’s Al Sadd are in a similar position.

Jazira also remain keen observers of the wrangle surrounding Shabab Al Ahli Dubai club centre-back Mohammed Ali Ayed. The 26-year-old – latterly of Al Shabab – is in dispute with the merged club’s management and has requested the termination of his deal.

Meanwhile, South Korea centre midfielder Park Jong-woo has pitched up at lowly Emirates Club on a one-year contract after he became unwanted at Jazira.

Park, 28, will add an injection of quality to a side who finished one point above the drop zone in 2016/17. The free agent scored once in 43 AGL games for his previous employers.

Al Nasr’s search for a foreign winger has reportedly guided them towards Internacional’s Marcelo Cirino.

Cirino, 25, has fallen out of favour just three months since his arrival from Flamengo. Globo Esporte has stated that the Blue Wave have made contact with a view to snapping up a forward who has one goal in 11 run-outs for his new team.