Salem, who intends to leave Ismaili and move to Cairo for personal reasons, is subject to a transfer battle between Ahli and Zamalek.

What's more, Petrojet have entered the race offering EGP 3million to acquire the Egypt defender, but Ismaili have renewed their 'not for sale' reply.

"We rejected the offer from Petrojet even though it is the highest local offer to come so far," Ismaili vice-chairman Hammad Moussa told FilGoal.com.

"We will not let Moatassem go unless we have a good replacement player in his position."

Saied talks

In the same subject, Moussa indicated that Zamalek transfer-listed defender Hani Saied could be the player Ismaili want to leave Salem.

"Hani Saied would be considered a satisfying replacement for Salem, but Zamalek offered a swap deal and we want separate deals," added the Dervishes official.

Meanwhile, Ismaili have shortlisted former managers Ricardo Ferreira and Mark Wotte as possible successors to Emad Soliman, while maintaining hope to convince the resigned coach return.