Mensah denied Zamalek move

Belgian side Lierse have told their Ghanaian midfielder Akwetey Mensah he will need the club's approval move to Zamalek in the summer.

Zamalek tabled a bid for Lierse duo Mohamed Al-Gabbas and Mensah late in December but couldn't secure their services in January.

The White Knights are understood to be aiming to land the pair in the summer.

Mensah's contract expires at the season's end, and yet; the Ghanaian midfielder won't be completely free to decide his next destination.

"We are entitled to extend Mensah's stay, his contract gives us the right to do so," Club owner Maged Sami told Modern TV.

"For this reason, he cannot leave without our permission."

The Egyptian businessman stressed that he would not mind letting the 26-year-old go should Zamalek approach him again.

All the same, he assured that Mensah doesn't want to get back to Egypt.

"If Zamalek make an offer in the close season, we will look into it. We will even reduce the transfer fee we called for in January," Sami added.

"But Mensah is happy in Belgium and has no intention of returning to Egypt."

Lierse put a one-million euro price tag on the former Ahli player's head.

Mensah also had a stint at Masri, where he worked with coach Hossam Hassan who is now in charge of Zamalek.

It's believed that Hassan has been convinced with the defensive midfielder's capabilities since both men were plying their trade at the Port Said outfit.