The Arabian Gulf League Champions Al Ain are optimistic that their first-choice striking target Douglas will be in their side and will not opt to go to the Chinese Super League.

According to The National, the 28-year-old Brazilian professional football player, who plays for Gremio, is expected to land in the UAE on Tuesday to undergo a medical after the UAE champions agreed to pay his $4.2 million (over 27 million yuan) asking price.

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However, on Monday night, an unnamed Chinese top-flight club reportedly made a last-ditch offer to sign Douglas, with Al Ain fearing the frontman would favor a money-spinning move to the Far East. The Garden City side, though, remain confident they will get their man.

The Brazilian has attracted the interest of Al Ain following a stellar temporary spell at Sanfrecce Hiroshima.  Douglas scored 21 goals that helped the club to secure the J League title. He finished the season as the division's second top scorer.

In the third-place match at the 2015 Fifa Club World Cup, Douglas scored twice as Sanfrecce outlasted the AFC Champions League conquerors Guangzhou Evergrande.

Should Douglas sign for Al Ain, he will be replacing the Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike.

Chinese outfits have been very active in enticing South American players to move and to continue their football career in China. Due to higher salaries and the improved standard of the Chinese Super League, China has become an increasingly alluring destination for Brazilian players and coaches.

Corinthians players Renato Augusto and Jadson have both accepted big money offers from Chinese football clubs, and there is a chance that Elias could follow them.

The 2015 Brazilian Championships best player Renato Augusto moved to Beijing Guoan of the Chinese Super League, while midfielder Jadson joins the second tier Tianjin Songjian side.

High profile Brazilian football players Robinho, Paulinho and Ricardo Goulart are part of the Guangzhou Evergrande team that won the past five CBA league titles. Brazil's 2002 World Cup winning manager Luiz Felipe Scolari is the club's coach.

Tagsarabian gulf league, United Arab Emirates, Douglas, J League