CAIRO: Ismaili are on their way to trade center-half Moatassem Salem with Zamalek sweeper Hani Saied in a part-exchange deal.
Salem handed in a transfer request recently, claiming he needs to spend next season in Cairo for personal reasons.
While Ahly and Zamalek are competing to sign him, the Whites’ offer seems to be more alluring to Ismaili.
"Zamalek are closer to sign Salem. The deal should be finalized within the next 24 hours," Ismaili board member Hamed Moussa told FilGoal.com.
"Zamalek offered LE 2.5 million plus Hani Saied, while Ahly offered LE 4 million.
It is believed that new Ismaili coach Mark Wotte is keen on bringing in Saied, who has been out of favor at Zamalek since Hossam Hassan had taken charge last year.
The 30-year-old is an automatic choice in Egypt’s 3-5-2 formation and is expected to fill in the sweeper position with the Dervishes as well.
