Shock move: Italy's World Cup winning skipper Fabio
Cannavaro
Al Ahli, the Dubai-based club who want Harry Redknapp as their
new manager, have signed Italy defender Fabio Cannavaro.
In a clear statement of intent the UAE League side have agreed a
two year deal with the Juventus defender and he will join on a free
transfer after playing for Italy at the World Cup.
Al Ahli are in the process of methodically restructuring their
club under the stewardship of new chairman Abdullah Saeed Al
Naboodah and sporting director Mark Bell, formerly of Bolton.
They are serious about their interest in Tottenham boss Redknapp
and hope the capture of 36-year-old Cannavaro will indicate the
level of their ambition.
The Italian has 132 international caps and has rejected offers
from Italy to play in Dubai when the new season starts in
mid-September.
Al Ahli see him as a flagship signing who can improve standards
on and off the pitch and help attract better quality players.
They are also serious about their plans to persuade Redknapp to
join.
They have made an inquiry to Tottenham for the 63-year-old, who
has one year left on contract, and want him to oversee a masterplan
to move the club forward and help take Middle East football to a
new level.
