Zamalek had a EGP 2million bid recently turned down by the Dervishes, who wanted EGP 5million for the Egypt defender.

However, an improved offer was made this week and a deal is set to go through, according to Hassan.

“We have a final agreement with Ismaili over Salem,” Ibrahim Hassan, the twin brother of manager Hossam, told reporters.

“We will not announce the transfer fee, but it is around 3 to EGP 3.5million. The player is about to sign a contract and complete the move.”

Salem, whose contract runs out by the end of the season, is also targeted by Zamalek’s arch-rivals Ahli, but Ismaili seem reluctant to sell him to the Reds.

Should he move to Zamalek, Salem will be the Whites' third signing this summer, following the arrival of Ahmed Samir and Algerian Mohamed Aoudia.