Promoted side Smouha are seeking to sign Zamalek's out-of-favor duo Ahmed Al-Merghani and Sherif Ashraf, the club's chairman Farag Amer said on Monday. "We have tabled an offer to sign (midfielder) Al-Merghani on a one-year loan deal," Amer told FilGoal.com. "We also want to sign (striker) Ashraf but on a permanent contract." Stand-in striker Ashraf recently said he wanted to leave Zamalek in the close season due to lack of first-team opportunities. Coach Hossam Hassan relied on Ahmed Gaafar as a lone frontman last season, demoting Ashraf to the bench. Central midfielder Al-Merghani burst onto the scene in the latter stages of the 2008-2009 season. However, he could not retain his regular place the following term, with Hassan Mostafa and Ibrahim Salah occupying two berths in the heart of Zamalek's midfield. Smouha are looking to bolster their squad after sealing their first ever promotion to the Premier League. They have already signed 34-year-old defender Beshir Al-Tabie, who has plenty of experience in the top flight.
