Blackburn close on Al-Muhammadi

A Blackburn Rovers delegation arrived in Cairo on Thursday to finalize talks with ENPPI over signing Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, the Egypt winger said on Friday.

كتب : Hatem Maher

الجمعة، 23 يناير 2009 - 07:35
Al-Muhammadi (L) set for English switch
A Blackburn Rovers delegation arrived in Cairo on Thursday to finalize talks with ENPPI over signing Ahmed Al-Muhammadi, the Egypt winger said on Friday.

"The delegation will attend tonight's friendly game between Egypt and Kenya before meeting ENPPI officials on Saturday to discuss the transfer," Al-Muhammadi told FiGoal.com.

"The English club are keen on signing me before the closure of the transfer window."

Al-Muhammadi underwent a trial at the Premiership club in November and impressed their former manager Paul Ince.

Reports suggested the deal was dead after Ince was sacked but Al-Muhammadi insists Blackburn are still interested in acquiring his services.

"The appointment of Sam Allardyce as Blackburn coach did not change anything," the 21-year-old added.

"Ince's assistants are still working at the club and they were convinced that I was good enough to play in the Premiership."

Al-Muhammadi has been a regular member of Egypt's squad since making his debut against Mauritania in 2007.

The versatile midfielder started his career as a center forward with Ghazl Mahalla, before developing himself to a wide player.

Shikabala Interest

Al-Muhammadi revealed that Blackburn might also try to make a move for Zamalek's talented winger Mahmoud Abdul-Razek 'Shikabala'.

"Blackburn officials watched a DVD containing the best of Shikabala."

"They will watch him in action when Egypt face Kenya at Cairo stadium."

Shikabala is one of the few players to shine for the crisis-hit Zamalek this season.

The 22-year-old had a two-year spell with Greek side PAOK Saloniki but was forced to return to Egypt in 2006 due to the obligatory military service.