Saudi giants Ittihad Jeddah drawn up a three-man shortlist as they step up their plans to reinforce their goalkeeping spot this summer.
The Tigers are looking for a new goalkeeper following the departure of Brazilian keeper Marcelo Grohe to Al-Kholood and losing Bento to arch-rivals Al-Nassr.
With veteran Abdullah Al-Mayouf also set to leave the club this summer, Ittihad have now to step up their search and Manchester City keeper Ederson is still their number one target.
According to Saudi publication Arriyadiyah, Ittihad have already opened contacts with Ederson and he didn’t mind a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.
As a result, the club submitted Ederson’s name to the Players’ Recruitment Committee of the Saudi Professional League as their first choice to strengthen the goalkeeping area.
In case the move falls through, Ittihad have identified two alternatives to Ederson, namely Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak and Alphonse Areola of West Ham, according to the same report.
Jan Oblak, 31, has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the world since his move to Atlético Madrid in July 2014, helping the club to several trophies, including the La Liga title in 2021 and the 2018 Europa League.
Meanwhile, World Cup winner Alphonse Areola has been plying his trade at West Ham since July 2021, making 33 appearances for the Hammers last season.