Maccabi Tel Aviv have agreed terms to sign Israel midfielder Eran Zahavi on a three-and-a-half year deal from Palermo.

Maccabi Sports Director Jordi Cruyff said: "After long negotiations, which required all three parties to be flexible, Maccabi Tel Aviv, Palermo and Eran Zahavi reached an agreement.

"We are delighted to be adding Eran to the team, welcome him to the Maccabi Tel Aviv family with open arms and hope he can help us achieve our goals."

The addition of Zahavi will boost Maccabi who remain top of Ligat Ha’Al despite losing 1-0 at FC Ashdod.

The Israeli title race has turned into a three-horse race with Maccabi Haifa moving to within five points of top spot following a 3-0 win over Hapoel Ramat Gan Asi. Wiam Amasha, Taleb Tawatha and Shlomi Azulay were the marksmen.

Second-place Hapoel Tel Aviv were edged out 2-0 against Beitar Jerusalem following late strikes from Chen Azriel and Avi Rikan.