Aston Villa boss Dean Smith eyes up Egyptian pair including West Brom's Ahmed Hegazi
Aston Villa are interested in Albion defender Ahmed Hegazi and his Egyptian compatriot Trezeguet.
Boss Dean Smith has been casting an eye over Hegazi at the African Cup of Nations while watching his main target.
Smith and sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch both watched Egypt’s shock 1-0 defeat to South Africa in the round of 16 over the weekend.
Villa are contemplating a £10million deal for 24-year-old midfielder Mahmoud Hassan, commonly known as Trezeguet.
The attacking midfielder, who is an experienced international with 40 caps for his country, currently plays for Kasimpasa in Turkey
But the Villa pair were also eyeing up Albion centre-back Hegazi, who impressed in the Championship last season.
Villa need to add another centre-back to their squad once they finalise a £20m deal with add-ons for Tyrone Mings.
Hegazi is not on the top of their wanted list, and Albion have not received any contact from their rivals yet.
The Baggies are keen to keep the towering defender this summer having already sold Craig Dawson to Watford for £6m.
The Egyptian centre-back had a £10m release clause in his contract last summer, and Leicester were close to signing him.
Hegazi apologised to Egypt fans yesterday after their shock exit from the African Cup of Nations.
"I thank everyone who supported us from the stands or from the house or in prayer, and hopefully the team returns stronger," he said.
Hegazi will now be given a break before returning to Albion.
