Ahli are aiming to extend the contract of five key players before the end of the Egyptian Premier League break, the club's football director said on Saturday. The deals of strike duo Emad Meteb and Ahmed Belal, attacking midfielder Mohamed Barakat, central midfielder Moataz Eno and defender Ahmed Al-Sayed will run out at the end of the season. "We are looking to settle this matter as soon as possible," Hadi Khashaba said on the club's official website. "I sat down with the five players and tabled the club's offer to prolong their stay. They have time to make a decision but we want this matter to end before the end of the break." Egyptian international Barakat has been an integral member of Ahli's squad since joining in 2004. His versatility provides coach Hossam Al-Badri with a plenty of options. Belal, who returned to Ahli in 2007 after ending a Turkish spell with Konyaspor, is yet to regain top form but is used as a back-up striker.
Meteb likely to extend contract Meteb is nearing a return to action after recovering from a serious knee injury he sustained while playing on loan at Saudi Arabia's Ittihad last season. Defensive midfielder Eno is a regular starter for the Red Devils while Al-Sayed saw his place in the heart of defense taken by new arrival Sherif Abdul-Fadil. "We want those players to pen new deals to remain fully focused on league games. We want to continue our fine form." Defending champions Ahli, who eye a sixth successive league title, are on top of the table with 14 points, three ahead of Petrojet and Ismaili. League activities will be halted until the U-20 World Cup, which takes place in Egypt, finishes on October 16th.
