Al Ahly have turned down an initial offer from OGC Nice for defender Mohamed Abdelmonem, according to L’Équipe.
The bid, which was OGC Nice’s first attempt to secure the 25-year-old Egypt international, has been deemed insufficient by the African champions.
The news comes after it was reported that Nice have opened talks with Al Ahly over the signing of Mohamed Abdelmonem this summer.
Foot Mercato believes an agreement between both parties is expected to be reached in the upcoming few days as the centre-back is pushing for a move to Europe.
Mohamed Abdelmonem is expected to replace Jean Clair Todibo, who is rumoured to have attracted interest from Juventus and West Ham.
Abdelmonem has established himself as one of the best centre-backs in Egypt and Africa, guiding the Reds to back-to-back CAF Champions League titles.
Several European clubs have been said to monitor the Egypt international, with Gianluca Di Marzio stating that Serie A outfit Bologna are a huge fan of the player.
If Abdelmonem completes a move to the French club, he will become the ninth-ever Egyptian to play in the Ligue 1 and the first to represent the Eaglets.
Nice finished last season fifth in Ligue 1 and secured Europa League football for next season and will be hoping to strengthen their squad, having lost Khéphren Thuram to Juventus earlier this summer.
Nice is owned by British petrochemical giant INEOS, which also owns Swiss Super League side FC Lausanne-Sport and a 27.7% minority stake in Premier League giants Manchester United.