Egyptian ace uncertain about Cats future

Sunderland midfielder Ahmed Elmohamady is heading for showdown talks with manager Martin O'Neill over his future at the club.

The Egyptian star was one of six internationals given extra time off in the summer due to their involvement with Euro 2012 or World Cup qualifiers during the close season. However, Elmohamady is now back on Wearside and keen to know whether he figures in O'Neill's long-term plans at the Stadium of Light. He hasn't started a game for the Black Cats since the former Aston Villa boss took charge in December, and has been linked with a host of clubs in recent months including newly promoted West Ham and Steve Bruce's Hull City. It was Bruce who brought the player to England in the first place and he is reportedly keen on a reunion with the 24-year-old as he looks to take the Tigers out of the Championship at the first attempt following his appointment this summer. Elmohamady is in no rush to leave Sunderland though and hasn't asked for a transfer despite his lack of first-team football, but he does want some guidance from O'Neill on how he sees his situation. A source close to the player is quoted by the Chronicle: "He wants to sort his future out as soon as he gets back; although there have been stories the club is prepared to let him leave he has not been told that. "If he is still a Sunderland player next season then he will be more than happy. "I think he worries Sunderland fans will think he wants to be away but nothing could be further from the truth. "He has never submitted a transfer request, although he is desperate to play first-team football." Elmohamady joined the Black Cats originally on a year-long loan for £500,000, before his stay was made more permanent last summer for £2m.