Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry says Tunisian side Esperance are interested in signing his left wing-back Ali Maaloul, but he has insisted he doesn't want the player to leave the Cairo giants.

"Esperance are showing a big interest in signing Maaloul," El-Badry told DMC TV chaneel on Friday.

"The player asked to meet with me and I told him to make it after the derby.

"I will tell him that I refuse his departure as we compete for many titles, but finally he will be the one who will take the decision," the coach added.

Maaloul joined Ahly last summer from Tunisia's Sfaxien on a four-year contract.

After delivering a series of outstanding performances, the 26-year-old Tunisian international quickly established himself as one of Ahly's key elements since the season start.

In recent matches, Maaloul wasn't available for Ahly as his coach said the player is suffering from fatigue, sparking rumours about his future with the Cairo giants.

Form his side, Maaloul has pledged his future to Ahly, insisting that he is fully committed to his contract.

"I didn't ask to leave Ahly. I feel comfortable here and I’m sticking with my contract that runs for four years," the player, who arrived in Tunisia to join his Tunisian camp ahead of next month's African Nations Cup, was quoted as saying by Ahly's official website on Saturday.

"I’ve played consistently since joining the team, so I won't ask to leave for missing one or two matches due to fatigue," he added.

Ahly currently lead the Egyptian Premier league table with 45 points, 11 ahead of rivals and third placed Zamalek who still have two games in hand.

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