Do Wolves’ links to West Brom defender Hegazi cast doubt on duo’s future?

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Premier League newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly want to raid Championship West Bromwich Albion for World Cup ace Ahmed Hegazi.

Roderick Miranda and Danny Batth were always likely to be in for a tense summer.

The defensive duo both struggled for game time as Wolverhampton Wanderers cruised to the Championship title last season, and their positions were likely to become ever-more precarious with the big-spending Midland giants keen to invest heavily in preparation for a return to the Premier League.

ESPN is now reporting that Wolves are interested in signing Ahmed Hegazi from local rivals West Brom. They, like West Ham, are contemplating triggering the bargain £10 million release clause in the Egyptian international’s contract.

Hegazi, despite finishing in 20th place with West Brom last season, proved himself to be a defender of Premier League quality. The one-time Fiorentina man impressed at the World Cup, too, with his aerial ability and impressive distribution; even if Hector Cuper’s side lost all three of their group stage games.

If Wolves win the race for Hegazi, Miranda and Batth would find themselves behind him, Willy Boly, Connor Coady and Ryan Bennett in Nuno Espirito Santo’s pecking order.

Miranda, a £2.5 million addition from Rio Ave last summer, struggled to adapt to the pace and physicality of the English game and ended up making just 16 Championship starts.

Club captain Batth, meanwhile, was at his best in League One and doubts persist about his ability to step up to Premier League level. Batth was included in Nuno’s starting XI 15 times in 2017/18.

Hegazi would be an upgrade on both.