Middle East Target Star Pair

Last updated : 04 March 2004 By Mark Heys
Qatar Link Resurfaces
Bolton Wanderers duo Jay-Jay Okocha and Youri Djorkaeff are the latest big names to be targeted to play in the Qatar League and the Football Association for the Middle East country is said to be preparing a lucrative offer to persuade the star double act to quit English football in the summer.


Okocha 30, is said to be close to penning a new contract with the Wanderers but speculation has been rife since the end of last year as to where his destination will be for the coming season. Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Blackburn Rovers, Celtic and Stuttgart have all been credited with interest in the Nigerian captain over the season and now it has been suggested that Al-Ittihad have offered the player £60,000 per week to move away from Bolton.

Djorkaeff 35, is also out of contract during the summer season and has yet to discuss a new deal with Bolton. He has been linked to the Middle East country on two occasions before and despite saying he could retire if he leaves Bolton the lure of one final swansong in what is a popular destination for well known players coming to the end of their career might prove too tempting.

Gabriel Batistuta and former Chelsea player Franck Lebeouf are just two of the names to ply their trade in Qatar who despite being a poor country football wise have the money to compete financially with any Premiership team.