Hassan, whose Ahli contract expires in the summer, fueled speculation around his future by implying that he would consider joining Zamalek if he didn’t extend his stay with the Reds.

“Hassan is a player with great value and the delay over talks of a new contract was because of his injury and then the recent revolution break,” Abdul-Hafiz told FilGoal.com.

“We will open talks with Hassan as soon as he returns from South Africa.

“I am sure that leaving for Zamalek is not an option for Hassan. He is happy here and I believe that a new deal will end the speculation.”

Hassan, who had cruciate ligament surgery last year, is currently with the Egypt squad preparing to face South Africa in a CAN 2012 qualifier.

Time not right

On the other hand, Abdul-Hafiz’s Zamalek counterpart Ibrahim Hassan indicated that the talks about a potential move for Hassan is too soon.

“The time is not right to discuss talks with Hassan over a summer move. He has a contract with Ahli and he could sign a new one,” said Hossam Hassan’s twin brother.