Bristol City explain Moteab snub

City and Al Ahly had agreed a £1.5m deal for Moteab

Bristol City boss Gary Johnson says the club had too many concerns about the transfer of Egypt striker Emad Moteab to allow the move to proceed.

City had agreed a three-year contract with the player who then played in a match in Egypt against their wishes.

"If people have as big an influence on Moteab as it looks, it could become difficult as we play a 50-game season," Johnson told BBC Radio Bristol.

"A couple of other things happened as well, and we weren't happy with that."

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The deal was called off after Moteab appeared for Egyptian champions Ah Ahly in the Cairo derby, just days after agreeing his move to Bristol City.

"The player was very disappointed that he got railroaded into the game - that's what he says.

"We were making a big investment of £1.5m plus a good salary, and we were having to bring an Egyptian to England and he was going to have to change his lifestyle.

"From what I saw and heard and what was going on, I felt that he may not be able to settle in Bristol.

From what I saw and heard and what was going on, I felt that Moteab may not be able to settle in Bristol Gary Johnson

City have instead turned to Maltese forward Michael Mifsud, with the player set to sign on Monday after agreeing terms and passing a medical.

"Mifsud is more likely to be comfortable in this country, he's already played in the Championship.

"He's still an international of course but I've got no problems with him missing games."