ALBION have completed the signing of 26-year-old Egypt international defender Ahmed Hegazi.

The 6ft 5in centre back has arrived in Hong Kong having agreed a year-long loan after which Albion have an option to trigger a permanent transfer.

Hegazi jetted in from Cairo to complete his deal before swiftly heading to Hong Kong where he joined Albion's squad on duty at the Premier League Asia Trophy.

Albion will need international clearance for Hegazi to play in the tournament, which they open on Wednesday with their semi-final challenge against Leicester City.

The transfer follows the former Serie A man's impressive performances at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in which Egypt finished runners-up and Hegazi was named in the Team of the Tournament.

Albion chairman John Williams said: "We're delighted to add Ahmed to the squad. He caught our eye at the African championships and we've been tracking him ever since."

Head Coach Tony Pulis said: "We're pleased he's here, he's a good addition. He's got good pedigree and has played for some good clubs. Hopefully he'll be a good signing for us.

"With it being a loan and, if he does well, we've already agreed a final deal. It's really, really good for us."

Hegazi is making his second venture into top level European football having been frustrated in his first attempt.

He was identified as a top prospect and signed by Fiorentina as a 20-year-old only for injuries to hamper his progress.

He returned to Egypt and has spent the last two seasons with one of his nation's top clubs Al Ahly.

He is also regarded as one of the lynchpins of his national team having so far gained 39 caps.