Al Ahly begin talks to sign defender Youssef Belamri from Raja Casablanca

Al Ahly have opened negotiations with Raja Casablanca over a potential move for Moroccan left-back Youssef Belamri, signalling their intent to reinforce that position during the current window.

According to reports, officials from the Egyptian giants reached out to Raja in recent hours to inquire about buying out the remaining six months of the defender’s contract.

The Cairo club are believed to have tabled an offer in the region of $500,000.

A source familiar with the discussions revealed that Al Ahly board member Sayed Abdel-Hafiz met with Belamri’s representatives during the team’s recent trip to Morocco for their CAF Champions League clash with the Royal Army, which ended 1-1.

The talks reportedly produced a preliminary understanding over the financial terms of the player’s proposed deal.

Under the outline agreement, Belamri would sign a four-and-a-half-year contract upon Raja’s approval of the transfer.

The source added that Al Ahly are eager to bring in the 22-year-old to bolster the left side of defence, amid doubts over Mohamed Shukri’s form and with Ahmed Nabil Kouka expected to return to midfield duties.