Al Wasl are in negotiations to complete a one-year permanent deal for Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana ahead of the transfer window closing on Thursday night.

Viana, 31, has become marginalised at Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli despite excelling for them in last season's run to the treble.

The 29-times capped Portugal international has started their last two games, but this was only because of injuries to Majed Hassan and fellow foreign player Ciel.

Dubai rivals Wasl have held talks with Viana several times throughout the summer, a loan switch previously on the agenda.

Jorginho's team have struggled thus far, collecting only two points from their first four top-flight games to sit second bottom.

They plan to void the loan with Atletico Paranaense's Brazilian forward Ederson to make space for Viana in their four-player non-Emirati quota.

The former Newcastle and Valencia player had offers from Spanish La Liga sides and his native Portugal to return to Europe this summer after joining Ahli in July 2013 from Braga.

Those were shunned, as the player and his young family are settled in Dubai.

While talks continue with Viana, Al Wasl have today reinforced their attacking line with the signing of UAE international Saeed Al Kathiri from Al Wahda.

Al Kathiri was captain of the UAE football team at the Asian Games last month where he scored four goals to help his country to the quarter-finals.