silverfox
Well-Known Member
Sheffield United have made official bids for Egypt internationals Amr Zaki and Ibrahim Said, Egyptian press reported. Both play for Cairo club Zamalek, who have received offers sent by 4Steps Management on behalf of Blades.
Zaki is understood to be subject to a bid of £2 million, while Said - whose contract expires this summer - will cost around £200,000.
United, who lie 18th in the Premiership after promotion last season, have asked for the players to travel to Sheffield for a week-long trial and medical on December 3rd.
Zamalek are believed to be open to the offers, although the final decision will be made by the coaching staff.
Striker Zaki, 23, had an ill-fated spell in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow last season after impressing for ENPPI in the Egyptian Premier League and the national team in the 2006 African Cup of Nations triumph. He returned to Zamalek at the start of this season with a long-term view of returning to Europe.
4Steps had originally sent a fax enquiring about Zaki on behalf of two unnamed Premiership clubs, but Zamalek stated they would only do business directly with the buyers. Sheffield United have given 4Steps permission to conduct negotiations.
Versatile defender Said, 25, had a reputation for being the bad-boy of Egyptian football after falling out with former club and African Champions Al Ahly, along with former national team staff, but has matured into a solid and dependable performer in recent seasons. He was also a key member of the African Cup fo Nations win by Egypt.
Said can play as a centre back, right back and defensive midfielder as well as his preferred position of sweeper.
Said had a short loan spell at Everton in 2003 but failed to make any first-team appearances after it was cut short by his return to Egypt following an illness to his mother.
Zaki is understood to be subject to a bid of £2 million, while Said - whose contract expires this summer - will cost around £200,000.
United, who lie 18th in the Premiership after promotion last season, have asked for the players to travel to Sheffield for a week-long trial and medical on December 3rd.
Zamalek are believed to be open to the offers, although the final decision will be made by the coaching staff.
Striker Zaki, 23, had an ill-fated spell in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow last season after impressing for ENPPI in the Egyptian Premier League and the national team in the 2006 African Cup of Nations triumph. He returned to Zamalek at the start of this season with a long-term view of returning to Europe.
4Steps had originally sent a fax enquiring about Zaki on behalf of two unnamed Premiership clubs, but Zamalek stated they would only do business directly with the buyers. Sheffield United have given 4Steps permission to conduct negotiations.
Versatile defender Said, 25, had a reputation for being the bad-boy of Egyptian football after falling out with former club and African Champions Al Ahly, along with former national team staff, but has matured into a solid and dependable performer in recent seasons. He was also a key member of the African Cup fo Nations win by Egypt.
Said can play as a centre back, right back and defensive midfielder as well as his preferred position of sweeper.
Said had a short loan spell at Everton in 2003 but failed to make any first-team appearances after it was cut short by his return to Egypt following an illness to his mother.
