Liverpool midfielder Fabinho has undergone a medical and agreed a three year contract as his £40m move to Al Ittihad draws closer.
Talks were understood to have stalled earlier this week after a paperwork issue, but the move now appears to be back on track.
The delay to Fabinho's transfer is unconnected to reports that he may be unable to bring his beloved French bulldogs with him to Saudi Arabia amid the country's strict dog rules.
If he does leave the club, it will end a successful five-year spell at Anfield that saw him win five major trophies.