Former Nigeria international John Utaka is on the verge of making a return to Egyptian side Ismaily, 16 years after he left the club.
Utaka is a free agent after leaving Turkish side Sivasspor and is like to head back to Northern Africa to continue an illustrious career.
The 34-year-old has played for RC Lens, Montpellier and Stade Rennes in France and Portsmouth in England. He has also played in the Gulf with Al-Sadd and will relish an opportunity to go back to Egypt where he has fond memories.
“Yes it’s true, I have been offered a pre-contract by Ismaily and we’re in the process of finalising the deal,” Utaka told Egyptian football website kingfut.com.
“As a professional player you get offered a pre-contract first then you can sign the contract. That step has been done.
“All that remains now is my signature, you can say that it is 99 percent complete. I’m currently in Nigeria, but will head to France before going to Egypt.”
Utaka, who played for Nigeria at the 2002 World Cup, has 43 international caps, scoring six goals.