Everton and Crystal Palace face battle for Stephane Mbia

Everton and Crystal Palace could miss out on free agent Stephane Mbia after he was offered a deal in the United Arab Emirates.

Holding midfielder Mbia, 28, is available on a free at the end of the season as he sees out a short-term deal with Sevilla.

Both Everton and Palace have made their interest known for the former QPR player, but reports are coming out of France that they could be pipped by a lucrative UAE offer.

L'Equipe claims the Cameroon star has had talks with Al Jazira, who are managed by former Belgium international Eric Gerets.