Al Nasr’s bid to follow up their President’s Cup triumph with the headline-grabbing addition of Portugal playmaker Danny has entered “severe difficulties” and appears doomed to failure.

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Danny, 31, had been targeted by the double-winning Blue Wave after his failure to agree a contract extension at Russian giants Zenit St Petersburg. But a change of heart from both parties sees him on the verge of inking a two-year extension, dashing hopes of a move to the Arabian Gulf League.

Nasr first entered positive talks with the Sine-Belo-Golubye skipper in April about a contract for the same length. They will now have to look elsewhere if they decline to renew Brett Holman’s rapidly-expiring deal and take up the option on Al Arabi loanee Pablo Hernandez.

“Danny has received a new offer from Zenit, as well as receiving overtures from clubs from Turkey, Spain, France and England almost every day,” a source close to the player said. “He is almost closed with Zenit, meaning the Nasr deal has entered severe difficulties.

“It was also made clear to Danny a move to the UAE would mean he would struggle to make Portugal’s Euro 2016 squad.”

Danny played a key role in Zenit’s run to the 2014/15 Russian Premier League title, scoring three goals and claiming nine assists in 28 appearances. This was the third top-flight success earned during a glorious seven-year spell with the club.