"We want to sign Abou-Greisha, we know that his contract expires by the end of the season," Abbas told Egyptian TV.

"If Ismaili are ready to sell him in January, we will definitely make an offer."

Abou-Greisha is struggling to earn himself a regular spot in the Dervishes line-up, with the presence of Mohamed Fadl and Iraq's Mostafa Karim.

Gaafar Staying

On the other hand, the Zamalek chairman denied claims that the club is contemplating an exchange deal with Ahli for striker Reda Al-Weeshi at the expense of Mostafa Gaafar.

Gaafar has moved down the pecking order, following the arrival of striker Sherif Ashraf from Ahli last summer, but Abbas still has faith in the 26-year-old's ability.

"These are just rumors, we have no intention to buy Al-Weeshi, and we are sticking with Gaafar, he is a fine striker, and he just needs a chance to play regularly," he added.

Meanwhile, Abbas confirmed that Konyaspor defender Mohamed Abdullah should sign for the Whites soon and that terms have been agreed with the Turkish side.

Praise For Zaki

Abbas heaped praise on Amr Zaki, indicating that the Egypt striker reminds him of England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney.

"I think that Zaki has the potential to be a world class player, he reminds me of Rooney," he said.

Zaki capped an impressive performance against Telecom Egypt at the weekend with two goals, leading the Whites to a 3-0 league victory.