Alan Pardew: 'Ahmed Hegazi deal close'

West Bromwich Albion boss Alan Pardew has revealed that the Baggies are working on a permanent deal for on-loan centre-back Ahmed Hegazi.

The Egypt international joined West Brom on loan from Al Ahly in the summer, and it is understood that the English club have the option to make the deal permanent for £4.5m.

The 26-year-old has played in all 17 of West Brom's Premier League matches this season, and Pardew said that the club are "pretty much down the road" when asked about the possibility of a permanent deal.

"We're pretty much down the road on that one. I can't confirm anything but if we can then we'll do that. He's been brilliant for me," Pardew told reporters.

"He has fantastic attributes as a centre-half and I think he's learning. I'm not sure there's many teams that would have got a clean sheet at Liverpool particularly with the strike force they put out."

West Brom will look to build on Wednesday night's point at Liverpool when they host Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.