Reported coaching target Jose Luis Sierra is free to make the move to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club after his representatives informed Saudi Arabian giants Al Ittihad he did not intend to ink a contract extension.

Sierra, 49, has emerged as a leading figure to helm the summer refit at Rashid Stadium in the wake of a disappointing inaugural campaign. His candidacy was strengthened earlier this month when he defied lengthy off-field issues to claim the King’s Cup of Champions thanks to a 3-1 victory against Al Faisaly.

Ittihad had wanted the ex-Chile midfielder to continue for a third season. But the Jeddah powerhouse informed supporters in the early hours of Monday that a complete breakdown in negotiations had occurred and they would regrettably be forced into looking at alternative options.

“The administration provided all means for the continuation of the coach with the team next season,” read a statement. “The chairman of the board of directors, Mr Nawaf bin Nasser Al-Mekern, delivered the coach all his outstanding financial dues to the club from his personal account.

“Despite all these efforts and keenness for the technical stability of the team, the club management received a response from coach Jose Luis Sierra’s agent that he did not desire to continue with the team.

“We are now searching for a coach capable of building a champion team.”

Former Al Wasl boss Rodolfo Arruabarrena, 42, has also been linked to becoming the replacement for Mahdi Ali at Shabab Al Ahli.