Zamalek are interested in signing Malian defender Issiaka Eliassou from Masry after the Port Said-based side were banned for two years, a club board member said. “We are waiting forEliasso toreturn to Egypt to open talks with him over a possible summer transfer," Abdallah George told Ahram Online. The 26-year-old returned to Mali following the Port Said disaster, which left at least 70 fans dead and hundreds injured when thousands of Masry supporters stormed the pitch following the end of an Egyptian Premier League game against Ahly on the first of February. Masry were consequently bannedfor two years by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA), which also decided to shut the Port Said Stadium for three years. Eliasso has been one of the league's best performers since joining Masry in 2009. He caught the eyes with astring of impressive displays in the heart of the team's defence. Zamalek may offload Karimu AlHassan if they signEliasso, given that the Ghanaian struggled toprove his worth under coach Hassan Shehata. On the other hand, Zamalek board member George refuted reports suggesting that Zamalek are targeting Masry's Burkinabe striker Abdoulaye Cisse. “There are no negotiations with Cisse. We don't hold talks with any player without receiving a request from the head coach,” George added. The success-starved Zamalek are looking to bolster their squad as they target their first African Champions League title since 2002. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter:@AO Sports) http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/38102.aspx
