"I have already told Ahli's officials, including marketing director Adli Al-Qaeyi, about my desire to sign Belal," he told Modern Sports.

"Hodoud are in need of a new marksman in these days."

Al-Ashri also inquired about the Red Devils' interest in Hodoud defender Ahmed Assem, but couldn't reach an agreement over a part-exchange deal.

"I asked Al-Qaeyi whether or not he wants to acquire Assem's services, and it turned out that Ahli were once targeting him but not anymore," the former Smouha boss explained.

"I'm trying to give all Hodoud's want-out players the opportunity to leave this winter, so as we only keep those who really plan to stay.

"In this regard, I contacted Ahli after I heard about their negotiations with Assem, hoping to agree with them on a swap deal that would see Belal move in the opposite direction.

"Although Ahli's interest in Assem faded away, we're still keen to sign Belal."

Belal, once one of the best strikers in Egypt, is reportedly seeking to leave the Cairo club after being confined to the bench.

No Deal For Al-Nahas

On the other hand, Al-Ashri rubbished suggestions that Alexandrian side Hodoud were also seeking to run the rule over former Ahli man Emad Al-Nahas.

The veteran defender, who has been struggling with a serious knee for more than two years, saw out his contract with Ahli last June and the Egyptian champions didn't offer him an extension afterwards.

Al-Nahas underwent rehabilitation at Hodoud a while back, nonetheless, Al-Ashri believes the former Ismaili player won't be able to play professional football again.

"Al-Nahas has been one of my friends since we were playing alongside each other at the military national team," the Hodoud manager said.

"but honestly I think his return is so unlikely."