Premiership side Blackburn Rovers have set a $1 million bid to sign Ahli's defender Wael Gomaa, the player's agent said on Monday. Ahmed Al-Rifaee, of Four Steps Football Management agency, told FilGoal.com that Blackburn submitted their offer after Gomaa's potential move to Bolton Wonderers has been blocked by Ahli. But Blackburn's offer, according to Al-Rifaee, will remain on the table only if the Egyptian and African champions respond quickly. "Blackburn's offer will expire in just 48 hours should Ahli fail to deliver at least an initial acceptance," he added in a phone interview from Vienna. Gomaa's move to Bolton failed as injury-hit Ahli refused to sell their only available senior defender at the moment. Depleted Ahli Refuse International defenders Emad Al-Nahhas and Ahmed Al-Sayed will be out of action for at least the first half of the new campaign with different injuries. Egypt full-back Mohamed Abdul-Wahab, who played for Ahli in the last two seasons on loan from UAE side Al-Zafra, remains doubtful for next season because of a dispute between the two clubs.
Gomaa challenges David Villa of Spain Hossam Al-Badri, the Ahli assistant coach who also works as a caretaker Football Director, told FilGoal.com earlier on Monday that despite Gomaa's strong desire to play in the Premiership, the club still plans to hold on to the player. "Both the administration and the coaching staff stands firmly against any move, we want to keep Gomaa next season," Al-Badri said. Yet, Al-Rifaee remains hopeful of sealing the deal. "Several attempts are being made to convince Ahli's board of directors to let Gomaa go," he said. Gomaa joined Ahli in 2001 from Ghazl Mahalla and instantly became the club's most feared defender. The 31-year-old played a pivotal role in steering Ahli towards two League titles and a similar number of African Champions League and African Super Cup trophies. He was also a starter during Egypt's victorious campaign towards the African Cup of Nations last February.
