Ittihad of Alexandria have appointed Taha Basri as new manager, following the sacking of Mohamed Salah last week. Salah was fired after last week's 1-0 home defeat to Ghazl Mahalla, and Ittihad vice-chairman Mohamed Moselhi confirmed that Basri is the new coach. "The board decided to appoint Basri as successor to Salah," he told FilGoal.com on Monday. Basri, who was sacked by Ismaili midway through the season, will be assisted by Yahia Ismaili. Alexandria giants Ittihad are currently second from bottom in the league, and its up to Basri to prevent the team from being relegated for the first time. Meanwhile, Ittihad are reportedly interested in signing Zamalek forward Mostafa Gaafar on loan in January. The former Baladeya striker has struggled to find his place in the Whites' roster this season.