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West Brom defender Ali Gabr has finally received his work permit and could make his debut this Saturday, according to reports in his native Egypt.

The centre-back made the move to The Hawthorns in the January window from Egyptian side Zamalek, on a loan deal until the end of the season, but has been unavailable for selection in defeats at Manchester City, Southampton and Chelsea.

Now, though, the international defender has received clearance to feature under Alan Pardew between now and the end of the season - beginning against Southampton in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend.

Albion of course face an uphill task to remain in the Premier League; they’re seven points adrift at the bottom of the table with eleven matches to play and their fate will likely be decided over the course of the next five league matches.

The club have the option to make Gabr’s loan a permanent deal in the summer should they wish, though it remains to be seen as of yet whether he comes before fellow centre-half Gareth McAuley in the pecking order.

Bookies chatter

Alan Pardew’s odds to be the next Premier League manager to leave his post have been slashed today, on the back of West Brom’s announcement that the contracts of chairman John Williams and chief executive Martin Goodman have been terminated.

It’s merely an observation, but the decision to remove Williams and Goodman from their posts has seen quite a shift in the odds of Pardew to be the next top flight boss out of a job.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte, who saw his side beat Albion 3-0 at Stamford Bridge on Monday evening, remains the overwhelming favourite - he’s odds on at 1/2.

Then comes Mauricio Pellegrino, manager of Southampton. The Spaniard, having overseen a 3-2 success at The Hawthorns in the last fortnight, takes his troops back there for an FA Cup meeting this coming weekend. He’s 11/4.

Pardew, who was as long as 33/1 this morning (Tuesday), is now as short as 16s.

It’s understood, though, that while Williams and Goodman have been sacked, there are no plans to change the manager.

Former Newcastle and Crystal Palace boss Pardew, who will take the Baggies to both St James’s Park and Selhurst Park before the season is out, has overseen only one win in 13 league matches.

Albion are seven points adrift at the foot of the table with eleven games to play.