Baniyas are set to sign Mark Milligan from Melbourne Victory

The Abu Dhabi club, who finished eighth in the 2014/15 Arabian Gulf League, are believed to have activated the AUS$1 million (Dh2.875m) release clause in the midfielder’s contract, reports John McAuley.

Australia's Mark Milligan, left, shown here controlling the ball against South Africa during a friendly football match in Sydney last May, is set to join Baniyas for next season. AFP PHOTO / SAEED KHAShow more

Baniyas are close to completing the signing of Mark Milligan from Melbourne Victory, the Australian A-League side.

The Abu Dhabi club, who finished eighth in the 2014/15 Arabian Gulf League, are believed to have activated the AUS$1 million (Dh2.875m) release clause in the midfielder’s current contract. Milligan is expected to arrive in the capital later this week, where he will agree to a two-year deal.

Baniyas have had a long-standing interest in Milligan, 29, and almost signed the former Sydney FC and Newcastle Jets player in 2013 and then again last year. He has played for Victory since January 2012.

Last week, Milligan captained his club to victory in the A-League Grand Final - the fixture to decide the national championship. He was voted man of the match.

“We are still talking, still negotiating some things, but expect to have news tomorrow,” said Mubarak bin Mahroum, the Baniyas chairman. “We have been discussing for a long time, since one month ago. We are confident.”

Bin Mahroum said the club board are meeting Monday and Tuesday to finalise plans for this summer’s transfer window and that he envisages there will be significant change to the playing staff. At the moment, Baniyas’ foreign contingent comprises Joan Verdu, Denis Stracqualursi, Angel Dealbert and Imad Khalili.

However, Milligan’s arrival should signal an overhaul of the squad. The defensive midfielder, who began his career as a defender, has experience of playing in Asia having previously represented Japan’s JEF United and Shanghai Shenhua, the Chinese Super League club.

Milligan is a member of the Australian national team and was integral to their successful Asian Cup campaign in January. He played in the semi-final against the UAE, and then the entire final against South Korea, which the Australians won 2-1 after extra-time. On Monday, he was named in the Socceroos’ squad for next month’s opening 2018 World Cup qualifier in Kyrgyzstan.

Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE