Egyptian striking sensation Ahmed Hossam has signed a five-year contract with Dutch giants Ajax.

The Amsterdam side refused to reveal the fee, but it is believed to be around �3m.

Hossam, preparing for Sunday's Nations Cup tie against Sudan with the Pharoahs, become one of the hottest properties in European football after scoring 11 goals in 21 games for Ghent in Belgium in the second half of last season.

His feats prompted interest from a host of clubs, with Anderlecht appearing to be favourites to add Hossam to their strong African contingent.

However, Ajax director of sport Leo Beenhakker had already watched Hossam on three occasions and was quick to step in.

Beenhakker, a former Holland manager, said: "The scouts and members of the technical staff who have seem him play all believe Hossam is a top talent."

Written agreement

Anderlecht will be hugely disappointed, having believed on Wednesday that they had a binding written agreement with the player.

However, Hossam quickly refuted these claims, which in turn prompted Anderlecht to back out, with general manager Michel Verschueren saying: "We have made this decision because of the player's attitude.

"We have a signed agreement with him and he is now denying that."

Club president Roger van den Stock fumed: "If a player signs for one club and then joins another, how can you conduct transfers?"

Hossam, who had also been pursued by Italian sides Udinese and Vicenza, plus English teams Sunderland and Southampton, is seen as the heir apparent to Egyptian legend Hossam Hassan.