Arabian Gulf League strugglers Al Dhafra have ended speculation about star striker Makhete Diop’s future after he agreed a contract extension until 2018.

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Diop, 26, has scored an exceptional 52 top-flight goals in 72 appearances since he joined from Syria’s Al Karamah in 2011. Such a return has seen Al Nasr and Bani Yas battle Saudi Arabian trio Al Nassr, Al Shabab Ruyadh and Al Ittihad for his signature.

But his pursuers have been left frustrated by a pledge of loyalty to the Western Knights, who appear well positioned to improve on last term’s 11th-placed finish.

French coach Laurent Banide will have a full campaign to continue the significant upturn enjoyed after his winter arrival for a third spell at the club, with Iraqi centre-back Ahmad Ibrahim, Argentine midfielder Jorge Luna, Al Nasr forward Abdullah Qassim and Bani Yas attacker Ahmed Ali drafted in.

One player not heading to Dhafra is Lebanon forward Hassan Maatouk, who has agreed to a fresh one-year deal at Fujairah despite links with a move.

Maatouk, 27, impressed during his club’s return to the top flight and was on the initial shortlist for the Foreign Player of the Year award.

The development follows on from confirmation star defender Madjid Bougherra will complete the second of the two-year deal signed upon arrival last summer following his release from Qatar’s Lekhwiya.

Al Wahda have also continued their rebuild under new coach Javier Aguirre, converting defender Mohammed Barghash’s loan move from Bani Yas into a three-year permanent transfer.