"Grasshopper and FC St. Gallen are both seeking to sign Afrotto this winter on an extendable six-month loan deal," Sowilem, who represents the talented playmaker in the negotiations, told FilGoal.com.

"Both sides have opened initial talks with me, and Ahli should receive tangible offers within the next few days."

The up-and-coming midfielder, who was integral part of Egypt U-20 in last year's World Cup, made his name after putting in some promising performances during the competition.

However, Afrotto failed to secure a senior-team berth at Ahli, when boss Hossam Al-Badri promoted young trio Mohamed Talaat, Ahmed Shokri and Shehab Ahmed to first-teamers and snubbed him.

Egypt and Ismaili goalie Essam Al-Hadari spent a season and a half at Swiss outfit Sion, before joining the Dervishes last summer.