The Dervishes have five expatriates at their disposal, and haven't decided yet whom they would keep hold of.

On the other hand, the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) has set a maximum limit of three foreigners for each team.

"We are holding negotiations with Ismaili over landing Johnson on a loan deal for the remainder of the season," Ittihad football director Ihab Gaber told FilGoal.com on Saturday.

"We also want to acquire John Jambo's services on a permanent basis."

If the coastal club gave Johnson and Jambo the thumb up to leave, they will be free to register goalie Nour Sabri and defender Dario Khan, besides Iraqi hitman Mostafa Karim.