Al-Bayan newspaper quoted an unnamed official from the Egyptian champions as saying his side agreed to offload Abou-Treika for $5 million.

Ahli will have no alternative but to sell the 30-year-old to ease their financial crisis, the paper added.

The Cairo giants admitted recently that Ahli Dubai verbally expressed an interest in signing Abou-Treika, a cult figure among the Red Devils' fans.

But they are yet to say whether they are ready to dispense with their inspirational player.

Hundreds of Ahli fans sent SMS messages to the club's satellite channel on Saturday, calling on Abou-Treika to snub Dubai overtures.

The Egypt playmaker, who scored twice in the Pharaohs' 3-0 victory over Rwanda in last week's World Cup qualifier, is yet to comment.

Ahli Dubai already have another Egyptian player at their disposal in midfielder Hosni Abd-Rabou.