The Middle East to move for Terry

John Terry’s name is being bounded around in the United Arab Emirates, as the money men look at the possibility of bringing the former England captain to the region.

Terry, 32, has been pushed to the outskirts of the Chelsea team by Rafa Benitez and clubs in the UAE are investigating a lucrative deal as the Blues captain nears the end of his career.

A source in the UAE told the Sunday Mirror Sport: “There are a few clubs that could afford John Terry and his signing would be a massive coup over here.”

One of those rumoured to be interested is his former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson, who is the current Sporting Director at  Al Nasr, others are UAE Pro League champions Al-Ain and Al Jazira.

Terry has already been approached by the chairman of Al Jazira Sports Company, Sheikh Mansour, who tried to tempt him to Manchester City in 2009.

The 32 year old’s contract, which he got as a result of City’s interest, runs out next year, meaning Chelsea chairman Roman Abramovich will have to decide if he wants to keep Terry at the club beyond his current £150,000 a week deal. The Russian’s choice of new manager could play a role in the defender’s future, as some may favour him more than others.

Terry has expressed his desire to stay at the Bridge for the remainder of his career, but he and his family regularly holiday in Dubai and negotiations over a new contract haven’t taken place yet, alerting clubs in the Middle East of his possible availability.

Sides in the region have moved away from buying players towards the end of their career; who were brought in for off the field benefits, and have recently gone for players at the peak of their powers.

As Terry enters the twilight period of his career, he may see the opportunity to move to the UAE as one last big pay day, but he has turned down large money moves in the past, as football is usually his first choice.