"There haven't been any negotiations between both clubs, and Ahli are yet to come up with a bid" Youssef said.

Gouna spokeswoman Maiar Abdul-Aziz also played down reports claiming that both clubs have nearly worked out the details of the deal.

A day earlier, Ahli coach Hossam Al-Badri revealed that his side were contemplating signing either Ekrami or Ismaili's Mohamed Sobhi in the January transfer window.

Gouna have to give Ekrami the thumb up to leave in the winter, as his contract will still be valid at the time.

Otherwise, a EGP 1,5 million release clause would have to be paid in order for the 26-year-old to depart.

Former Ahli youngster Ekrami is admittedly willing to return to the Red Devils' ranks, despite both parties' failure to agree terms of a transfer in the summer.