RIO DE JANEIRO - United Arab Emirates outfit Al-Jazira have overtaken Guangzhou Evergrande as favorites to sign Brazil international forward Robinho, according to press reports.

Brazilian media last month said that former Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari - who is now in charge of the Chinese club - were close to securing Robinho on a three-year deal after he parted ways with Santos.

"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 by telephone, according to Uol.

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

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