Aston Villa tracking West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi
Aston Villa are reportedly tracking West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi, according to BBC reporter Phil McNulty.
Dean Smith is keen on adding to his defensive options ahead of the new campaign, and while recently looking at Egyptian winger Mahmoud Trezeguet, was also thought to be keeping a close eye on Hegazi.
Twitter: Villa are also having a look at West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi although Trezeguet was the main priority for Smith… https://t.co/053gWyAAPo (@philmcnulty)
Hegazi has been a regular for the Baggies since joining from Egyptian side Al Ahly in 2017, with the 28-year-old making 85 appearances during his two seasons in the Midlands.
West Brom reportedly paid £4.5 million in December 2017 for Hegazi’s services, after impressing in what was initially a season-long loan at the Hawthorns.
The dominant defender is under contract with the club until 2022, so local rivals Villa would need to place a tempting offer on the table for the Baggies to consider selling.
West Brom have already lost Craig Dawson to Premier League side Watford, so new boss Slaven Bilic will be desperate to keep hold of Hegazi.
Villa have already brought in Kortney Hause, Matt Targett and Tyrone Mings to bolster their defensive options, and Smith may now decide to firm up their surprise interest in Hegazi with a concrete offer.