A Masri representative met with Ahli's transfer guru Adli Al-Qaeyi and informed him that the coastal outfit are seeking acquire the services of the ex-Middlesbrough man till the end of the season.

Shawky, who's still struggling with fitness problems, initially accepted Masri's bid while the Cairo club are expected to announce their decision next week.

The 29-year-old rejoined Ahli on a three-year contract in the close season but has barely featured for the Egyptian champions so far this season.

He's yet to hit peak form after lack of first-team football at English side Middlesbrough and Turkish team Kayserispor took a toll on him.

Shawky used to be an Ahli key figure in the reign of Portuguese tactician Manuel Jose but his career took a turn for the worse after leaving the six-time African champions.

He left Ahli in the summer of 2007 to join Boro but failed to establish himself at the Riverside. His lack of playing time cost him a spot in Egypt's 2010 triumphant African Cup of Nations squad.

Shawky endured another disappointing spell at Kayserispor, which lasted for just six months.

The Turkish club's failure to fulfill their financial obligations towards him prompted his return to Ahli.

But with the club having an abundance of midfielders, the out-of-sorts Shawky couldn't find a regular place in the starting eleven.