Stephen Ireland’s time in the Premier League appears to be over

Early semi-retirement.

Stephen Ireland is in talks with Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira, according to reports in the country. The Stoke City midfielder hasn't played a minute of Premier League action since October, and is seemingly on the fringes of Mark Hughes' squad. Al Jazira are currently 10th in the Arabian Gulf League, but you'd imagine players aren't signing for the team based on their league position. The club are reportedly looking for a replacement for their departed Brazilian playmaker Thiago Neves, but wouldn't confirm they are in talks with Ireland.However, talks are said to be in "an advanced stage", according to The National. Ireland prematurely ended his international career in 2007, and arguably failed to live up to the promise he showed at Manchester City earlier in his career. We hope the Corkman has plenty of sun tan lotion ready if he joins the Abu Dhabi club.