According to a reliable source, Shawky is determined to stay in Europe for another season, and has no intention whatsoever of returning to Egypt.

After the relegation of Middlesbrough to the Championship, Ahli made overtures to bring back the towering ace, who said on many occasions that he wants to leave the Riverside.

But it turned out that Shawky hasn't given up hope yet of carving out a name for himself in Europe.

"Shawky is waiting to receive offers from European sides in the close season," the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told FilGoal.com.

"If he gets no worthwhile offer, he will stay at Middlesbrough and ply his trade at the first division."

The 27-year-old joined Middlesbrough in the summer of 2007, and failed to secure a regular spot over the past couple of seasons under the management of Garth Southgate.

However, Southgate is widely expected to change his attitude towards Shawky, as the majority of his team's key figures are on the lookout for new deals, thanks to Middlesbrough demotion.