"We cannot consider letting Ali go without securing a replacement for him," Ismaili's board member Khaled Al-Tayeb told FilGoal.com.

"The team will be competing in more than one competition, including the league and the cup.

"We will also take part in the CAF Confederation Cup. We are looking to be the first Egyptian team to win this tournament, so we need every one of our players."

FilGoal.com understands that Hilal offered to sign Ali on a six-month loan for EGP five million.

The 25-year-old has scored four league goals so far this season.

Ismaili also turned down a Petrojet bid for midfielder Mohab Saied after the petroleum side failed to fulfill their financial demands.