West Brom agree to sign Ali Gabr from Zamalek, confirms Egyptian club’s president
Baggies appear to be preparing for Jonny Evans' exit
WEST BROM are putting their house in order as they brace themselves for a bid for Jonny Evans.
The Baggies have agreed a loan deal with Egyptian club Zamalek to sign 29-year-old centre-half Ali Gabr until the end of the season.
Zamalek president Mortada Mansour has announced Albion will pay his club £438,000 to have Gabr at the Hawthorns for the next six months.
However there is an option to buy Ahmed Hegazi’s international defensive partner for £1.1million in the summer as a ready-made replacement should Evans leave.
The Northern Ireland international has a clause which allows him to walk away for £3m this summer if West Brom are relegated.
That could tempt Baggies into accepting around £25m for Evans now with Manchester City, Arsenal and Leicester City all keeping track of the situation.
Gabr is expected to fly to England this week to complete his deal which could signal Evans’ departure.
Albion insist they will not be held to ransom over Evans, after turning down £23m during the summer from Leicester for the reliable 30-year-old, who Tony Pulis signed from Manchester United for a bargain £6m.
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However Alan Pardew desperately needs a proven goalscorer and is reliant on bringing in funds before he can bring in the type of firepower he needs to start climbing the table.
Zamalek told Egyptian reporters: “Zamalek will receive €500,000 for Gabr, their first offer was €200,000.”
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Pulis was impressed by Gabr and Hegazi who caught his eye during the 2017 African Cup of Nations.
Hegazi has proved to be a huge hit since his bargain £4.5million move from Al Ahly.
Now Pardew will be hoping his international defensive partner hits the ground running too.