Inter Milan defender and former Hull City loanee Andrea Ranocchia could still be on his way to West Bromwich Albion.
West Bromwich Albion have been linked with countless centre-backs this summer and it appears that manager Tony Pulis is increasingly close to getting one through the door at last.
“Hegazy chose to play for West Bromwich. We also preferred to allow his departure, as we didn’t want to force him to stay,” said Ahly director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz.
Hegazy (r) lost in the Africa Cup of Nations final to Cameroon this year
Whether the 26-year-old, who is known as ‘Nesta of the Pyramids’ due to his apparent likeness with the legendary Italian centre-back, can make the grade in English football remains to be seen. After all, his last stint in European football did not exactly go to plan, managing just three Serie A appearances across three seasons with Fiorentina.
Therefore, it is perhaps no surprise that the Baggies have also retained an interest in a defender with Premier League experience on his CV. The report adds that Inter Milan’s Andrea Ranocchia remains a target despite Hegazy’s impending arrival.
The 21-time Italy international has fallen down the pecking order at the San Siro in recent seasons, losing his captain’s armband to Mauro Icardi as a result. However, he at least made a largely positive impression on loan at Hull City in the second half of last season despite gifting Crystal Palace the opener in a 4-0 battering that confirmed the club’s relegation in May.
Therefore, Ranocchia could be an astute addition.
Ranocchia made a positive impression at Hull
Although the signing of Hegazy and interest in Ranocchia does not mean West Brom are more receptive to offers for prized asset Jonny Evans. The Birmingham Mail adds that Pulis is determined to keep the Leicester City target.
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