The Abu Dhabi-based outfit has tabled a substantial offer for Brosque with the player expected to lock in his club future later today.

Earlier reports had the Pro League champions chasing club-less Socceroo Harry Kewell but the former Sydney FC striker now has the inside running to complete Al Ain’s foreign contingent.

Brosque’s representative Anthony Crea told au.fourfourtwo.com: “They put in a full transfer request so they’re not just negotiating – we should know within the next five to six hours.”

The 28-year-old's contract with J League club Shimizu S-Pulse was due to wind up in January with the possibility of extending for a third year.

“He’s played every game (for Shimizu) so there was no indication that they didn’t want him to stay on,” Crea said.

“But I think they could probably see the writing on the wall – there was only five months left on his contract. This way they’re probably getting a good deal.

“I can’t disclose (the offer) until we sign the contract but it’s a substantial offer obviously for (Brosque) to move because he really liked Japan.

“It’s like all the guys that are going to the Middle East at the moment – it’s no different.”

If he makes the move as expected, Brosque will join the growing influx of Aussies to the Middle East.

Another former Sky Blues player, Nicky Carle, recently left the harbour city on a one-year loan deal with Baniyas SC while national team captain Lucas Neill extended his stay in the region, signing for Al Wasl.

Brosque’s move to the J League last year has seen him play some of the best football of his career and helped revitalise his green and gold aspirations.

Now a regular on the national team sheet, his brace against Saudi Arabia in February’s World Cup qualifier also put him on the radar of Saudi Premier League powerhouse Al Ittihad.

The attacking versatility of Brosque is said to be his key attraction for Al Ain.

While the club has declined to publicly name the player to fill the final spot on their roster, a spokesman told The National: "We will have an announcement in the next 48 hours, maybe before.

"We're getting closer to the deal. We're just sorting out a few things with the player, although it is doubtful he will be available for Friday's match with Ajman.

"The player has been playing regular football for his club so he should be up to match sharpness and fitness.”