"He’s on trial now. If he succeeds the transfer will be accomplished and he’ll move to China starting from next season,"said Ahmed Rifaei, the director of the Four Steps agency.

"He still has two years in his contract with Al-Gaish but the board agreed to let him ago," he added.

Dalian Shide is actually at the fourth place of the Chinese table three points behind leaders Tida Tianjin but they have two games in hand.

Sabri started his career at Arab Contractors before moving to Europe where he had spells at FC Tirol (Aus), Paok (Gre), Benfica, Maritimo, Estrella Amadora (all Portugal) and now he’s back home.