The petroleum club did not disclose the price Ahli set to offload Adel but said it was not rational.

"We are still in talks with Ahli nevertheless," Petrojet general secretary Saied Mostafa told FilGoal.com on Saturday.

"Adel prefers to join us rather than moving to Telecom Egypt, who are also interested in acquiring his services."

Adel was told he had no future at Ahli after falling out with coach Manuel Jose.

The 29-year-old protested against being given limited opportunities in a way that Ahli board deemed inappropriate.

Adel has been Jose's fourth-choice defender since joining from Arab Contractors as the Portuguese coach relies on trio Shadi Mohamed, Wael Gomaa and Ahmed Al-Sayed.

Egyptian league surprise package Petrojet are looking to reinforce their shaky backline, which leaked 18 goals in 15 games.