CAIRO: ENPPI announced that they turned down Sunderland s bid for Ahmed Al-Muhammadi because it was not up to scratch.
On their official website, the Petroleum side voiced their dissatisfaction over the Black Cats offer, saying the 21-year-old deserved a more rewarding one.
Premiership club Sunderland were aiming to put the Egypt right winger through his paces during a season-long loan period, which would have been extended if he had impressed.
But ENPPI said that Al-Muhammadi is a player of a high caliber who doesn t need to prove his worth yet again.
Sunderland are not the first English outfit to approach Al-Muhammadi, as Blackburn were once targeting him but failed to reach an agreement with Diaa Al-Sayed s club.
ENPPI stated that they would be up for looking into offers from abroad next winter.
Apparently, (Sunderland coach) Steve Bruce is affected by his unpleasant experience with Amr Zaki, and that s why he was hesitating to complete Al-Muhammadi deal, an ENPPI statement read.
Bruce worked with Zaki last season at Wigan Athletic, before leaving the Latics in the close season to take charge of Sunderland.
Zamalek striker Zaki raised eyebrows for a while at the JJB Stadium, but his form evidently dipped in the winter.
Bruce fell out with the well-built hitman due to his persistent indiscipline.
The former Manchester United man described Zaki as the most unprofessional player he has ever worked with after repeatedly failing to report from international duty on time.
