Egypt Under-23 manager Hossam El-Badry has rubbished local reports linking him with a return to Ahly.

"No negotiations have occurred between me and the Ahly board regarding a return next season," the 53-year-old tactician told an Egyptian television programme on Tuesday.

There has been speculation over the Ahly job since the resignation of coach Mohamed Youssef and the appointment of Fathi Mabrouk as caretaker coach. El-Badry was one of the names linked with the post in the local media.

"I am focusing on my post as the Olympic team manager," El-Badry declared.

He led the Cairo club to an Egyptian Premier League trophy, an Egypt Super Cup and a CAF Champions League title when he was in charge in the 2012/2013 season.

El-Badry, who has tested dozens of players in two training camps since taking charge of the team in late November, is to lead the Olympic Pharaohs until the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

They are currently preparing for a North African tournament taking place in Algeria from 25 May to 5 June.

Upon his appointment, El-Badry vowed to build a new generation of skilled players to aid the senior team in their bid to reach the 2018 World Cup.

Under former coach Hani Ramzy, Egypt qualified for the 2012 Olympics in London for the first time in 20 years. They were knocked out in the quarterfinal after slumping to a 3-0 defeat to Japan.

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