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Hegazi happy to stay at West Brom after Pardew comments - agent

Ahmed Hegazi's agent says the defender is happy at West Bromwich Albion after Alan Pardew confirmed the club are in talks to make his loan move permanent.

West Brom boss Pardew revealed on Friday that the club are ready to make Hegazi's loan from Egyptian side Al Ahly permanent after impressing since his arrival at the Hawthorns.

The Egyptian international centre-back is on a season-long loan from Al Ahly, and included in the deal is an option to buy him for £4.5 million, which West Brom are ready to activate when the transfer window reopens next month

Pardew has been impressed by Hegazi since taking over from Tony Pulis at West Brom and he hopes the club can secure his signature on a permanent basis.

"We're pretty much down the road on that one," said Pardew. "I can't confirm anything but if we can then we'll do that.

"He's been brilliant for me. I've only been here for three games but he's been terrific.

"He has fantastic attributes as a centre-half and I think he's learning."

Hegazi put in a man-of-the-match performance in the goalless draw at Liverpool in midweek and the centre-back's displays for West Brom in the first half of the season have caught the attention of other Premier League clubs who are hoping to steal him from under the noses of the Baggies.

Hegazi's representative, Christian Emile, has confirmed the defender is enjoying life at West Brom amid the reported interest from elsewhere and hailed West Brom for taking the opportunity of signing Hegazi on loan in the first place.

"Ahmed has been the bargain of the season and full credit must go to West Brom and their scouting staff," Emile told ESPN FC. "Naturally there will be speculation following his excellent performances but the player is happy where he is.

"There is a saying: 'Those who don't take risk, don't drink the champagne,' well West Brom ventured into a new market and are now drinking from the best bottle!"