Al-Riyadhiy Al-Jadeed claimed that Iraqi international Karim is seeking a new challenge away from the Egyptian Premier League.

He snubbed an offer from Zamalek to join Qatari side Gharafa in the summer, it added.

Karim's adventure with Ismaili has been relatively successful since he joined from Iraqi club Arbil in the summer of 2007.

He notched nine league goals last season and is currently the competition's third-highest scorer with nine goals, just one behind Ahmed Gaafar and Ernest Papa Arko.

Despite his fine displays, Ismaili coach Ricardo Ferreira kept him on the sidelines for several matches.

The Brazilian coach's decision drew criticism from Ismaili board and he eventually backtracked on his stance.