Gary Johnson says Emad Meteb was always his number one transfer target.

The manager finally got his man when the Egyptian international agreed a three-year contract at City following his £1.5m move from Ah Ahly.

And a delighted Gary told Bristol City World: "It was great to get him on English soil. Everyone was agreed with the club and now everything is sorted with the player.

"Finally, subject to a work permit, Meteb is a Bristol City player. These transfer do take time, especially when you are dealing with people halfway across the world.

"Meteb has been with Al Ahly since the age of 12 and he had to feel that this is the right move for him. It's a big step for him but I think he's professional enough to take it by storm."

He added: "The fact that he is happy to come here proves this club has come a long way.

"Meteb has always been our number one target. He's a quality finisher and the fox in the box. We've needed one for a little while and I think he can work well with any of the strikers we've got at the club.

"We've been tracking him for sometime. I've been over to Egypt, as have other members of my staff. We saw him play in all the African cup of Nations games - we liked his style and personality.

"Meteb has a good work-rate and a sporting personality that people will like. We just hope he gets his goals early and gets his confidence up. He'll be a major part of our squad."

Meteb is now back in Egypt, where he will get the chance to wave goodbye to his old club Al Ahly's supporters on Saturday, July 20th when they face derby rivals Zamalek in the African Champions League.

But, despite reports elsewhere, bcfc.co.uk can reveal Meteb will not be eligible to play for the club he has been with since the age of 12.

Gary said: "We had to apply for his work permit and for that to happen he must cancel registration with Al Ahly.

"We need Meteb to be available for us for the start of the season. He wanted to play once more and say goodbye to the Egyptian fans. Al Ahly have been a fantastic club for him and he will get the opportunity to go back and say hello, but he won't play for them.

"I'm sure he'll see them plenty of more times playing for the Egyptian national team.

"As far as we're concerned it is now up to the Government officials who issue work permits regarding when our fans will see him play.

"Meteb has played in almost 100 per cent of his national team games and Egypt are high enough in the FIFA rankings, so we are confident of getting the work permit.

"As soon as we get it then he'll pull on the red shirt."