Zamalek have opened talks with Essam Al-Hadari to sign him in the close season, the Ismaili goalkeeper said on Friday. Recent reports suggested that Zamalek were lining up an audacious bid for the Egypt goalkeeper, although he will miss the first four months of the season due to suspension. World governing body FIFA banned him for violating his contract with Egyptian champions Ahli to join Swiss side Sion in February 2008. Al-Hadari confirmed that Zamalek, Ahli's arch-rivals, are interested in acquiring his services. "Negotiations are ongoing. I sat down with some Zamalek officials to discuss a possible deal," the 37-year-old said on his personal website. "But nothing is settled yet. More talks are due to take place in the coming few days." Al-Hadari is widely considered as the best African keeper after playing a key role in Egypt's three successive African Cup of Nations triumphs in 2006, 2008 and 2010. He helped Ahli to a host of local and continental titles but his acrimonious exit ruined his relationship with the Red Devils' fans. He pleaded with Ahli to re-sign him earlier this year but the club stood firm on their decision not to bring him back. A move to Zamalek, the traditional foes of Ahli, is now on the cards but such a deal is unlikely to go down well with the White Knights' regular guardian Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed.
Al-Sayed wants to retain his regular place Not Concerned Al-Sayed is Egypt's second-choice keeper behind Al-Hadari but he has been Zamalek's trusted goalie for many years. He said he was not concerned with Al-Hadari's potential arrival but he is unlikely to accept a back-up role. "I don't care," Al-Sayed told FilGoal.com when asked about Zamalek's negotiations with the well-built keeper. "There will be no problems as long as I play on a regular basis. Al-Hadari is already banned for four months. "If he becomes Zamalek's first-choice keeper afterwards, I will consider my options," the 33-year-old added. Al-Sayed was praised for his consistent and superb displays between the sticks even in Zamalek's bleakest days. He used to suffer from niggling injuries but he enjoyed an injury-free campaign last season. Zamalek apparently moved for Al-Hadari to make up for the expected departure of Mohamed Abdul-Monsef, who plays second-fiddle to Al-Sayed.
