Zamalek's Fathallah denies Ahli deal

Zamalek defender Mahmoud Fathallah denied there was a deal in place to make a shock move to his side's Cairo rivals Ahli next season.<br>

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الأربعاء، 20 أكتوبر 2010 - 16:15
Zamalek defender Mahmoud Fathallah denied there was a deal in place to make a shock move to his side's Cairo rivals Ahli next season.

The central defender's future is far from certain, with his contract running out at the end of the season.

Ahli made no secret of their desire to snap Fathallah up 'if he was available' amid rumors suggesting that he already penned a contract to move across the city.

"I did not sign for Ahli. Whoever claims that should show the alleged contracts I signed," Fathallah told FilGoal.com on Wednesday.

"I'm not a naive player to pen any deal more than six months before the end of my Zamalek contract. There aren't even any negotiations with Ahli."

Fathallah said he needed three days to decide whether to stay at Zamalek, the club he joined from Ghazl Mahalla in 2007.

"I have some offers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates so I need to consider my options," the 28-year-old added.

"I will announce my final decision within three days."

A Fathallah departure will come as a blow to Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan, whose side already suffer from constant defensive problems.

Although the White Knights lie second in the league table, they leaked 10 goals in their first seven games of the competition.

Fathallah, who is one of the team's consistent performers though, usually partners Hani Saied or Amr Al-Safti in the heart of defense.

The Egyptian international was a member of Egypt's 2008 and 2010 African Cup of Nations winning squads.