Cats fail in Egyptian bid

Al-Muhammadi: Not joining Sunderland yet

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Sunderland's hopes of landing Ahmed Al-Muhammadi before the close of the transfer window have been dashed after the player's agent revealed Egyptian club ENPPI rejected the Black Cats' latest bid.

The 22-year-old had been tipped to join the Premier League outfit before Monday's transfer deadline but the winger now looks certain to be staying in his native land.

Al-Muhammadi's agent Nader Shawki claims Sunderland will have to wait until the summer to sign the Egypt international, whose club are not prepared to do business midway through the season.

"Sunderland offered £2million plus 20 per cent of the next sale," he told website Filgoal.

"Unfortunately ENPPI insist on keeping Al-Muhammadi and do not want to sell him before the end of the season.

"He is keen to make the move. He wants to play in England and knows that Sunderland are a good side. We hope we can find a solution with the board soon."

Al-Muhammadi, who can also operate at right back - a position Sunderland could strengthen should Tottenham's Alan Hutton complete his proposed loan move to Wearside - was a key figure as Egypt clinched their seventh African Cup of Nations crown on Sunday.

He featured in every game, scoring one goal against Benin in the group stages, and Black Cats boss Steve Bruce has long been an admirer having seen a move to bring him to the North East scuppered on the last transfer deadline day in September.