Turkish giants Galatasaray could be set to offer misfit winger Ryan Babel a winter escape from Al Ain.
Babel, 29, has proven an unseemly dud since his summer switch. The ex-Liverpool winger has only scored once in eight Arabian Gulf League appearances and a second social media faux pas in November saw him temporarily banished to the Under-21s.
Despite his travails in the UAE, he retains a solid reputation in the Super Lig earned at previous club Kasimpasa. He turned down Besiktas to move to the Boss and fellow Istanbul giants Gala have registered firm interest in him this month.
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Al Ain are more than happy to sell the 29-year-old when the winter transfer window opens this week. This would free up a space in their foreign quartet for the recruitment of a top-line striker, allowing Fenerbahce loanee Emmanuel Emenike to play in his favoured wide-attacking role.
Preliminary overtures in this regard have already been made to Flamengo centre forward Paolo Guerrero, though contrary to reports in Brazil this has not seen a bid made.
The former Bayern Munich youngster has only scored three goals in 15 appearances since a free transfer switch in May to Mengao. But his pedigree with Peru, exploits at previous team Corinthians and ability to lead the line have piqued the Boss’ interest.
The Al Ain hierarchy considered tearing up Babel’s two-year deal last month after an Instagram post which featured an obscene gesture and the club’s name.
This followed the international furore in August when he issued a series of sexist messages on Twitter. But rather than dispatch their errant signing on a free, the prospect of gaining a small fee is being favoured.
Babel would also take little convincing to make a quick-fire exit from the AGL holders if Gala were prepared to make an offer.
His lacklustre displays and public persona have grated with the Al Ain support, who have repeatedly called for his immediate removal.
He has also failed to integrate himself into the squad, meaning his departure would not be mourned by his team-mates.