Ghaly, who left Ahli to join Dutch side Feyenoord in 2003 before playing for English club Tottenham Hotspur and Saudi Arabia's Nasr, revealed recently that the Egyptian champions contacted him over a possible move.

Al-Badri confirmed that Ahli made a move for the talented midfielder but said talks have stalled.

"Ghaly expressed his desire to join Ahli in the close season," Al-Badri, who was Manuel Jose's assistant before taking over at the club following the Portuguese coach's departure, told Al-Hayat TV.

"But things have changed when Ghaly talked with Nasr officials lately. Negotiations have stopped," he added without elaborating further.

Middlesbrough's out-of-favor midfielder Shawky was also tracked by Ahli.

The Egypt midfielder is seeking to leave the Riverside following Boro's relegation to the Championship, the second division of the English football league system.

"I talked with Shawky and he welcomed a return to Ahli," Al-Badri added.

"But nothing has been finalized yet because he received another offer from a Qatari club.

"We will seize any opportunity to sign Ghaly or Shawky in the summer transfer window."

Ahli are looking to reinforce their midfield after releasing Hassan Mostafa and selling Hussein Ali to newly-promoted side Gouna.

Their current squad boasts three central midfielders in Hossam Ashour, Ahmed Hassan and Moataz Eno.

The in-form Ahmed Fathi, who sometimes plays a right-back, can also operate in midfield.