Former Liverpool forward Ryan Babel looks set to become Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ain’s first summer arrival after a two-year deal was agreed to sign him from Kasimpasa, according to agent Winnie Haatrecht.

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The Boss had remained quiet thus far in the market while rivals Al Jazira, Al Wahda and Al Ahli have been active. This is set to change in the coming days, the 28-year-old about to fill the slot in the four-player foreign quota vacated by Miroslav Stoch when no overtures were made to make his loan move from Turkish giants Fenerbahce permanent once it expired last month.

“We have signed a contract for two years,” Haatrecht told respected Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf. “Ryan is now on vacation and in the beginning of July the medical test will take place.

“From the contract, it speaks how much he is appreciated.”

Babel would add pace and a goal threat from out wide or up top, scoring 14 goals in 58 Super Lig appearances since he joined Apaciler two years ago. The player also possesses a marquee name, earned since coming to prominence with hometown club Ajax a decade ago.

The 43-times-capped Netherlands international is best known for a frustrating four-year spell on Merseyside from 2007-11, registering 12 strikes in 91 Premier League appearances as he failed to earn a regular starting spot despite his potential.

Al Ain appear to have beaten strong competition for his signature, a return to the United Kingdom with Swansea or switch to Besiktas mooted. 

One player highly unlikely to follow him to the Garden City at this stage is Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, despite consistent rumours linking him to Zlatko Dalic’s men. It is understood at this stage there is no real interest in the 28-year-old Nigeria international from them.