The 31-year-old Rivaldo moved to AC Milan last summer from Spanish giants Barcelona but has spent much of the season on the bench and is said to have been attracted by the Emirates club's offer, according to the Khaleej Times.

Al Ain, who have reached the semi-finals of the Asian Champions League, are set to be coached by Frenchman Bruno Metsu, who led Senegal's World Cup campaign last year.

However, another factor which could help lure Rivaldo, according to the report, is his failing relationship with Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The report also claimed that the ambitious Emirates club have made contact with another Brazilian, Serginho, in a bid to bolster their squad ahead of the second leg of their Asian Champions League semi-final clash with Chinese side Dalian in September.

Sources close to the richest club in the Emirates told the newspaper: "It is rumoured that Rivaldo is not on good terms with the coach of his club, Carlo Ancelotti, and that is why he has remained on the bench since his transfer from Barcelona.

"Also, the fact that the French coach Bruno Metsu is coaching Al Ain, has given the club some credibility in the eyes of the striker."

Representatives from the club also travelled to France last week to scout the Confederations Cup for an international striker to join the squad's training camp scheduled to start next month.