Ismaily President Mohamed Aboul-Seoud has played down speculations that star striker John Antwi could be on the move when the transfer window opens in January.

The 22-year old striker has been in a terrific scoring form this season bagging 11 goals in 13 league appearances for the Derviches to go top of the scorers' chart.

"We had already some offers for Antwi but we can't let him go before finding a replacement. That's unlikely to happen this January," Aboul-Seoud told an Egyptian sports program on Monday.

The athletic striker has reportedly received an offer to play in China but that didn't interest him much. He has also been linked with the Cairo giants Ahly and Zamalek who are both keen to strengthen their strike force in January.

Ahly football director Wael Gomaa has already revealed that the Red Devils are in the market for a striker as a top priority and they are also looking for a midfielder.

He refused to name any possible targets to keep the negotiations confidential.

"I talked with Antwi and we agreed that he will leave if he gets a suitable offer but also when the time is right for us," Aboul-Seoud concluded.

The Ghanaian rising striker joined Ismaily in December 2012 on a five-year deal for $250 000 and it is believed they would let him go if a deal around $1.5m is put on the table.

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