Egyptian striker targets Premiership move
Egyptian striker Mido is unhappy at Roma and is keen for a transfer to the Premiership, according to his representatives.
The 21-year-old Mido – real name Ahmed Hossam – has played sparingly with coach Luigi Del Neri favouring Vincenzo Montella, Antonio Cassano and Marco Delvecchio in attack.
Prior to his switch from Ligue 1 side Marseille to the Stadio Olimpico this summer, Mido had been linked with Southampton, Manchester City, Newcastle and Fulham.
His representative Christophe Henrotay believes his client favours a move to the English top flight.
“He’s not playing and he has not played for three months, so it is difficult for him,” Henrotay told PA International.
“I think right now he just wants to play football and he would like a move to the Premiership. He definitely won’t go back to France.
“They (Manchester City and Southampton) are still looking for a striker, and there may be other possibilities. I know Everton manager David Moyes well and he knows of the player but we don’t need to talk to each other every two minutes.”
Henrotay admitted, however, that any move away from Serie A could depend on whether there are any more changes in personnel at the struggling Italian giants.
“I believe Roma would like to sell Cassano and we have to see whether he could get a chance if that happens, but I don’t think he will stay at Roma,” he added.
“I was not too keen for him to go to Roma because I knew it would be difficult for him to get a game, but he really wanted to go because they are a prestigious club.”
As a second-choice front man behind Didier Drogba, Mido struck seven goals in 17 games for Marseille last season before sealing a €6m move to the Giallorossi.
However, a miserable start to the season has seen the club tumble out of the Champions League with two group games still to play, and Roma are currently just one point above the Serie A relegation zone.
Mino Raiola, the player’s representative in Italy, told Gazzetta Dello Sport: “Mido wants to remain at Roma, but if the club intends to sell him then we are ready to talk.
“The relationship with the coach – Mido has no dialogue.
“If Mido has to make way for Montella, who is the highest scorer, we respect the decision.
“But if he has to be out because of Cassano, who has only returned to the group after committing a series of stupid actions, then this is not good.
“Maybe Mido will also have to do the same things to get in the line-up.”
