Rio de Janeiro, July 13 (IANS): The United Arab Emirates football outfit Al-Jazira has overtaken Guangzhou Evergrande as favourites to sign Brazil international striker Robinho.

Brazilian media last month said former Brazil head coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who is now in charge of the Chinese club, was close to securing Robinho on a three-year deal after he parted ways with Santos, Xinhua reported on Monday.

"His delay in accepting the million-dollar offer has prompted the Chinese club to give him an ultimatum," Brazilian news portal Uol said on Sunday. "But not even Scolari thinks it will go ahead."

Al-Jazira are now front-runners to sign Robinho and their Brazilian coach Abel Braga has been in contact with the 31-year-old.

The former Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan star has also been linked with a move to Mexico's Queretaro and un unnamed American Major League Soccer (MLS) club.

He is expected to make a decision following the birth of his third child, due in the coming days.