The 60-year-old, who was recently sacked as Yemen coach, has been suffering with illness in recent years and was advised to put on hold coaching for a while.

"I received an offer from Masri, but I told them to wait until I see the results of my heart check-up," Saleh told Dream TV.

"Unfortunately the results weren’t too good and doctors recommended I should have a break from coaching for some time."

The Port-Saied-born manager enjoyed a successful spell with Masri between 1997 and 1999, after which he led Ismaili to winning the league in 2002.

Meanwhile, Masri will decide on whether to look for another coach or stick with interim manager Tarek Soliman.