CAIRO: Manchester City have opened talks with Zamalek over the possibility of signing Amr Zaki, the Cairo giants revealed on Saturday.
The Egypt striker’s loan spell with Premiership side Wigan Athletic ends in the summer. He has reportedly attracted a host of suitors after excelling in the elite competition.
Zaki scored seven goals in eight league games to top the scorers’ chart.
Fernando Torres and Jermain Defoe lies behind him with five goals to their account.
City, who were bought by Abu Dhabi United Group last month, apparently plan to make a bid to snatch Zaki from Wigan.
“A Zamalek delegation will fly to either Manchester or Abu Dhabi, not determined yet, to hold talks with City representatives over Zaki, the White Knights said in a statement.
Wigan manager Bruce has recently said that the Latics have an agreement with Zamalek to sign Zaki on a permanent basis.
But any tempting offer from big-spenders City is likely to convince Zamalek turn a blind eye to their alleged agreement with Wigan.
Meanwhile, Wigan manager Steve Bruce said that he is unhappy that Amr Zaki’s efforts did not award his side a Premiership win over Liverpool.
Two superbly-taken goals by Zaki either side of Dirk Kuyt’s equalizer helped the Latics go the lockers room with a 2-1 lead over Liverpool.
But Spanish winger Albert Riera struck home 10 minutes from time before Dutch striker Kuyt scored his second of the night five minutes later to give Liverpool all three points.
“Zaki was terrific again and it s a shame his performance hasn t got something from the game, because I think we thoroughly deserved it, Bruce told Sky Sports after the game.
Bruce gave the referee the finger for dismissing Antonio Valencia in the 75th minute. The Ecuadorian winger was sent off for two bookable offenses.
“We are devastated because the big turning point in the game, in my opinion, and the referee got it wrong.
“The first one is not a booking, Alonso s teasing him and when he does take it I can t see what Valencia s done wrong.
“And then there s a dubious one where two players are challenging for the ball, but that s what happens with this issue now with leaving the ground – you have to leave the ground for a tackle.
