THE uncertainty surrounding the future of Mido took a further twist last night when it emerged he has opted for a return to Egypt rather than sign for Middlesbrough.

Mido shocked Teesside seven days ago when he returned to Rockliffe Park to train with the squad.

He hinted he would be willing to play on exceptionally lower terms than previous to after asking to have his contract with Ajax terminated.

But the controversial North African did not turn up for training yesterday, and one of his many former clubs are claiming he is to join them.

Mowbray suggested he was open to the idea of playing Mido in the Championship this season. But it has been reported in his homeland that the 27-year-old has informed Zamalek of his intention to sign a contract until 2014, two seasons after Boro loaned him there.

Ibrahim Nassan, sporting director of Zamalek, where he began his career, said: “Mido will arrive on January 20 in order to put his signature to the contract. We have reached an agreement.”

Mido was signed by Gareth Southgate during the summer of 2007 for £6m from Tottenham and made just 32 appearances for Boro.

When he left last September to move to Holland, his departure was protracted because of the length and the lucrative terms remaining on his contract.

But he still managed to convince Boro to let him spend the week training with them and he had been expected to fight for a first team place until the end of the season.