Zamalek admit to talks with Abdel-Malek

Haras El-Hodoud star forward Ahmed Eid Abdel-Malek has been identified as a “top target” for Zamalek during the January transfer window. “We are in talks with Abdel-Malek because he’s a player of a top quality and will be an excellent addition to Zamalek,” assistant team coach Ismail Youssef was quoted as saying by Ahram Sport. The 31-year-old forward has been in excellent form this season, allowing El-Hodoud to claim the top of the Egyptian League table after eight rounds. The Zamalek-target has repeatedly hinted at his readiness to take up a new challenge, but El-Hodoud officials appear reluctant about losing their star man. Eid, who has featured in 41 games for the Pharaohs, was essential to the military side’s success in winning two cup titles in 2009 and 2010, along with the Egyptian Super Cup in 2009. ‘We aren't leaving’ Youssef also played down reports that the technical staff might quit the team during the current season. “Claims that we’re willing to leave because of certain offers from the Gulf are totally false. We will stay with Zamalek,” he stressed. The assistant coach is trying to ease fears after coach Hassan Shehata hinted that he might step down if the team’s board didn’t meet his demands, especially in terms of bringing in new players and solving the team’s chronic financial problems, which have recently led to the departure of several important players, including Hazem Emam and Amr Zaki.