Al Ain remain interested in Kashima Antlers winger Caio despite reports suggesting the player wants to remain in Japan.
The Brazilian, 22, has emerged as the UAE club’s first-choice target this summer as they seek to complete business early with the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League to begin on August 23. Still without a permanent board in place after dissolving the previous management on June 1, Al Ain aim to make a decision on whether to pursue Caio in the next few days.
Also from John McAuley
Al Ain set to make improved offer for Kashima Antlers winger Caio
Caio stated last week that he was fully focused on Kashima, whom he helped lift to the top of the Japanese J1 League on Saturday. He now has five goals and five assists this season. Having lived in the country since aged 17, Caio had been expected to push for naturalisation.
The deal to bring the 2014 rookie of the year to Al Ain is convoluted, with clubs from Qatar reportedly trumping the Garden City side’s original €3 million (Dh12.5m) bid, while there is apparent interest from Germany’s Bundesliga.
Should Al Ain seal the transfer, it seems Fellipe Bastos will be the one to make way for Caio. The Brazilian midfielder is allowed to leave following an inconsistent debut season and has been linked with clubs in Saudi Arabia. However, that would not be the first choice for Bastos and his young family.
For the moment, Danilo Asprilla, Douglas and Lee Myung-joo will continue at Al Ain, who face Uzbekistan’s Lokomotiv in the last eight of the Champions League. Al Ain are the only UAE winners of the continental competition, sealing the title in 2003.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport
