Saudi champions Ittihad Jeddah are targeting Ahli coach Manuel Jose for the next season, Saudi newspaper Al-Watan reported on Tuesday. The report said that Ittihad officials have contacted the Ahli manager via his agent, as the Portuguese is yet to sign a new contract with the Egyptian champions, despite agreeing terms with the Red Devils. The Jeddah-based club is hoping to compete Ahli over Jose's signing, knowing that his agent is still in talks with the Cairo giants to extend his contract.
Ittihad were crowned Saudi champions after beating Hilal It is expected that the Saudi club is preparing a hefty offer for Jose's services, a contract that is considered much bigger than Ahli's new offer. The newspaper also conceded that Ittihad were eying Jose during last season, despite the fact that chairman Mansour Al-Balwi denied having any contact with him in April. Jose has been in charge of Ahli since 2004, and he achieved a host of honors with the club, including three straight league titles and two successive African Champions League trophies.