AL AIN // The chairman of Al Ain Club's board of directors says the club will host delegates from a number of European clubs next month to discuss the transfer of Omar Abdulrahman.
The prodigious playmaker has long been linked with a switch to Europe, and revealed last month he rejected the opportunity to join Benfica, a leading Portuguese side, on a one-year loan deal following his stirring performances during the UAE's Gulf Cup success.
Abdulrahman, 21, has reportedly continued to attract the attentions of clubs outside the Emirates, with recent speculation in the British media claiming Barcelona and Arsenal had expressed an interest.
However, while Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed would not confirm which clubs are scheduled to arrive next month - Valencia, the Spanish Primera Liga side, have been mooted - the chairman said he expected negotiations regarding a transfer to begin in earnest.
He would not comment on the permanence of any deal, but said he believes an agreement between Al Ain and a prospective club will be reached.
Sheikh Abdullah did, though, say Al Ain will do business only with a club that can offer Abdulrahman guaranteed first-team football, and that they must feature in a "strong" European league.
Abdulrahman's importance to Al Ain this season remains significant, with the Pro League champions still involved in three competitions. Chief among those appeared to be the Asian Champions League - Al Ain have already played two games in Group D - yet retaining their league title seems paramount.
Sheikh Abdullah said the club would sacrifice their Asian campaign if it continues to impact chances of an 11th top-flight title. He also urged the Pro League Committee to make provisions for sides competing in the Asian Champions League.
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Score
Third Test, Day 1
New Zealand 229-7 (90 ov)
Pakistan
New Zealand won the toss and elected to bat
FULL%20FIGHT%20CARD
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TOUCH RULES
Touch is derived from rugby league. Teams consist of up to 14 players with a maximum of six on the field at any time.
Teams can make as many substitutions as they want during the 40 minute matches.
Similar to rugby league, the attacking team has six attempts - or touches - before possession changes over.
A touch is any contact between the player with the ball and a defender, and must be with minimum force.
After a touch the player performs a “roll-ball” - similar to the play-the-ball in league - stepping over or rolling the ball between the feet.
At the roll-ball, the defenders have to retreat a minimum of five metres.
A touchdown is scored when an attacking player places the ball on or over the score-line.
List of alleged parties
May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff
May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'
Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff
Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson
Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party
Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters
Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz
Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party
POSSIBLE ENGLAND EURO 2020 SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Dean Henderson.
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Joe Gomez, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Ben Chilwell, Fabian Delph.
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Harry Winks, Jordan Henderson, Ross Barkley, Mason Mount, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Forwards: Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Tammy Abraham, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
