The prospect of a big-money transfer of Malian international Aliou Dieng to the Gulf Region has kept the heartbeat of Al Ahly's interest in Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena pumping.
Dieng (26) has interest from clubs in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where a transfer could fetch Ahly anything between USD3 million (approx. R55 million) and USD6 million (approx. R110 million).
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There is a club in Qatar that is seriously keen on Dieng and has made their interest no secret and might plug in a higher bid.
This is money that Ahly will then channel towards an ambitious bid to entice Mokoena to Cairo.
What Ahly will earn from Dieng's transfer matches the kind of money that could get Sundowns listening.
Considering the amounts that Sundowns have been spending in recruiting players in recent times – especially Marcelo Allende – offers of USD4 million (approx. R74 million) is what will shake them.
What will suit Ahly is that their transfer window will fall beyond the dates of the traditional transfer window, with the Egyptian Premier League only ending in August.
Mokoena still has a running contract with Sundowns, but Ahly will offer him improved personal terms compared to what he is getting at Chloorkop.
The 11-time CAF Champions League winners have the financial muscle to improve on what the 27-year-old is earning with the Brazilians.
Top earners at Ahly can get up to USD1,5 million (approx. R28,4 million) per annum.
Mokoena has left nothing to doubt about his abilities throughout his time at Sundowns, where he also wears the armband.
His international career has blossomed with his solid displays at the AFCON finals, where he played every minute, giving rise to the interest from Ahly.
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The Free State-born midfielder has already played five games against Ahly in the colours of the Brazilians.
Mokoena has not played the last six games for Sundowns since pulling out injured after scoring against Moroka Swallows on April 15.