Matthew Upson a big fan of reported £2.5m West Ham target Ahmed Hegazi

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Hegazi was reportedly a target for West Ham United last month.

Former West Ham United defender Matthew Upson has told BBC’s coverage of the World Cup’s second game between Egypt and Uruguay that he is a big fan of West Brom’s Ahmed Hegazi, who was linked with the Hammers last month.

The Sun’s goals section (19/05; page 7) recently reported that both West Ham and Leicester are now keen on signing the centre-back, and will be able to do a deal for just £2.5 million due to a relegation release clause.

Hegazi, 27, joined West Brom at the start of the 2017-18 campaign on loan, before completing a permanent move to the Hawthorns in January but could now be set to leave the club for a bargain fee.

Upson, who played for the Hammers for four years between 2007 and 2011, stated that he has been impressed by the “imposing” Hegazi during his time with the Baggies.

“He’s a big imposing figure. that helps him, he uses his body well and very good from set plays,” Upson said. “They don’t concede a lot of goals, but lots from wide areas.

“He’s also a threat from set pieces and he’s a big physical presence.”

Having been only recently signed, Hegazi still has three years remaining on his contract but following the Baggies’ relegation, he may look to leave the Midlands club.

West Ham fans, and indeed Baggies fans, will be able to watch Hegazi at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, with the powerhouse centre-back representing Egypt.