Speaking to WinnerSports website, Hope said: “This is an exciting window coming ahead for football fans. Mohamed is a great coup for English Soccer."

"I’ve opened direct talks with a London Premiership club and although we are open to approaches by any Premiership club, I feel a deal is close.

“Mo is an exciting player who will play top level Football for the remainder of his career. I have received two further calls today alone from clubs who want to know his situation."

Elneny is on a four-year contract at Basel, who signed him last year for an undisclosed fee from Arab Contractors.