According to ESPN FC, Newcastle United are interested in signing West Bromwich Albion centre-back Ahmed Hegazi in this summer's transfer window.

What's the story?

Newcastle have already brought one new central defender to the club this summer, with Fabian Schar arriving from Deportivo La Coruna.

Jamaal Lascelles is set to stay despite widespread interest in his services, but the Magpies were recently hit with the news that Florian Lejeune will miss a large chunk of next season after sustaining knee ligament damage.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Swansea City's Federico Fernandez, but it is understood that the Welsh outfit want £10m.

According to ESPN FC, Rafael Benitez's side have now switched their attention to Hegazi, who has been widely tipped to leave West Brom following their relegation to the Championship at the end of last season.

Brighton & Hove Albion have also been credited with an interest, however, and Newcastle will seemingly face a battle to secure the defender's signature.

Would Hegazi be a good signing?

In short, yes. The 27-year-old might have been part of a West Brom team relegated to the Championship, but his performances were very impressive last season.

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Indeed, the centre-back started all 38 of West Brom's Premier League games last term, and contributed two goals during a strong campaign.

Newcastle are in need of a new defender ahead of the Premier League kickoff, and the 6ft 4in colossus certainly fits the bill.

Hegazi, who was in action for Egypt at the 2018 World Cup, is believed to have a £10m release clause in his current West Brom deal, but Newcastle will be hoping to sign him for less than that.

Benitez has not had much luck in this summer's transfer window, but it would be a stroke of genius from the Spaniard if he secured a deal for the Baggies centre-back.