West Bromwich Albion have a lot of work to do in the second half of the season, if they are to move out of the drop zone and Alan Pardew, the new manager at Hawthorns, is busy this month, trying to add fresh faces to his side.
The Baggies have a decent squad at their disposal but a few areas need some strengthening and it is now understood that Pardew has made his first signing with his new club.
Alan Pardew is tied in terms of transfers, as his side have to sell to add a new name to his squad. So West Brom are looking for loan deals this month and have reached an agreement to sign Egyptian centre back Ali Gabr on loan this month.
The report reveals the Pardew is fed up with the ongoing transfer situation of star defender Jonny Evans, who is wanted by both Arsenal and Manchester City. It is reported that the Baggies are not going to let the English international leave anytime soon but have signed Gabr as a backup plan if the saga drags on to the summer.
The loan deal for the 29-year old includes an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season for just £1.5m. So who is Gabr and what will he bring to Hawthorns?
Having spent his entire career in the Egyptian top flight, Gabr has 128 appearances in the Egyptian domestic league, playing as a CB for Ismaily, Ittihad Alexandria and Zamalek. He is currently at Zamalek, standing as their first choice defender, making 14 appearances this season.
At 29, he is one of the most experienced centre-halves in Europe and is probably ready for a move to Europe. He has also represented his national side 18 times in his career but has fallen down the pecking order recently.
Known for his strength and ability to put in crunching tackles, Gabr is a no-nonsense defender, who dominates box. He is strong in the air at both ends of the field and can mark strikers to good effect.
He is not too comfortable with the ball at his feet but is adept at clearing danger and keeping his side out of danger for most of the game. At 29, he has immense experience and though might not be able to walk into the first team, will certainly replace Jonny Evans and his experience in the long run.
He is a seasoned campaigner and a decent addition to the squad at West Brom but do you think his signing will mean the end of Evans at the Hawthorns?
