Al Ain’s extensive summer refit has continued apace with the captures of USM Alger’s Algerian winger Abderrahmane Meziane and promising Ajman midfielder Mohamed Helal.

Meziane, 25, comes to the Garden City on a four-year contract as a direct replacement for Benfica-bound Brazilian forward Caio. The uncapped wide man will be expected to add drive and flair to his employer’s front line after they finished a distant fourth in the 2018/19 Arabian Gulf League.

An important seven strikes in 24 Ligue Professionnelle 1 run-outs from him helped L’USMA to last term’s title. He is joined at the Boss, on a five-year deal, by 23-year-old Helal, who went goalless in 18 top-flight appearances for the mid-table Orange Brigade.

Al Ain have already paid Al Wasl €5.3 million for their prolific Brazilian attacker Caio Canedo, 28, and swept up Al Jazira midfielder Mohamed Jamal, 25, on a free transfer. An announcement about the arrival of Togo and RS Berkane flyer Kodjo Fo-Doh Laba, 27, is reported to be imminent, with only versatile Japan defender Tsukasa Shiotani retained from last season’s four-player foreign quota.

Former Croatia midfielder Ivan Leko has been named as successor to Spanish coach Juan Carlos Garrido. The 41-year-old was selected as Belgium’s Professional Manager of the Year for 2017/18 after he led Club Brugge to glory in the Jupiler Pro League.