An Ahli representative watched Setif's Arab Champions League (ACL) final against Jordan's Faisaly to monitor Hadj Aissa's performance, the paper added.

Hadj Aissa has played a pivotal role in Setif's ACL triumph, putting in some dazzling displays throughout the Arab campaign.

Ahli, who have just Mohamed Abou-Treika as a natural playmaker, should release one of the foreigner players within their squad if they are to acquire Aissa's services.

The Cairo giants currently have Angolan striker Flavio Amado, Tunisian midfielder Anis Boujelbene and Ghana's Akwetey Mensah.

Egyptian regulations prohibit any club of registering more than three foreigners in their squad.