Al Jazira in bid to sign Morocco star Belhanda

Abu Dhabi: Al Jazira set to battle it out with some of Europe’s top clubs in a bid to sign Moroccan international midfielder Younes Belhanda.

The Montpellier star was reportedly recently approached by Italian giants AC Milan and Inter Milan, as well as English Premier League side Aston Villa and two Turkish clubs.

Montpellier asked, according to reports, for €15 million, while Al Jazira are said to have offered €8 million as they seek a replacement for Ebrahim Diaky, who has moved to Al Ain, and the released Matias Delgado.

Balhanda, who has played 21 matches for Morocco, scoring two goals, said in an interview in France two weeks ago that he would prefer to play in England. The 23-year-old has spent his entire senior career with La Paillade, playing 117 league matches and scoring 23 goals. He helped the club to their first ever Ligue 1 title in the 2011/12 season.

Meanwhile, Al Jazira have received an official approach from Bani Yas for their substitute striker Ahmad Juma, who saw only a few minutes of first team action last season.

Elsewhere, Sharjah are set to add to their Brazilian contingent by signing Palmeiras central defender Mauricio Ramos.

The 28-year-old is expected to join the newly-promoted team and undergo a medical on their training camp in Turkey, which begins on Thursday. The 6ft 1in defender will join compatriots Jose Carlos and Fellype Gabriel at Sharjah next season.