Rawad Kassis, a famous players' agent, met with Ahli's marketing director Adli Al-Qaeyi on Monday as negotiations took place with the Egyptian champions.

A £1.5 million offer is expected to arrive on Wednesday and West Ham are believed to be interested in the Egyptian international, according to English reports.

Fathi, 26, is naturally a holding midfielder but can play in all defensive positions as well.

He has vast international experience, being a member of the Egyptian team that won the African Cup of Nations in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Fathi had an unsuccessful spell with Sheffield United in 2007, making just three appearances during a whole season before returning to Egypt to join Ahli.

Reluctant

Meanwhile, FilGoal.com has learnt that Ahli are reluctant to sell Fathi as manager Hossam Al-Badri considers him to be a not-for-sale player.

Fathi runs out of contract by the end of the season.

It is thought that Ahli will open talks of a new deal with the former Ismaili ace by the start of September.