Ian Holloway believes that West Brom would miss Ahmed Hegazi if the centre-back was to quit The Hawthorns in the summer transfer window.
Turkish news outlet Aksam has reported that Fenerbahce are interested in signing the Egypt international, while adding that in the Arab press there have been links to Real Madrid.
Holloway is in awe of the 27-year-old for his performances since joining the Baggies, but has suggested that the rumour about Real Madrid’s interest might be something that has been fabricated by his agent or a relative.
“That’s what everyone wishes one day; that they want you,” Holloway told Football League World.
“I’ve seen their training ground, good God!
“You don’t know what admirers he might have but he’s been fantastic for West Brom this season and they do miss him when he’s not in the side.
“But, you never know about some journalists or whether it was his uncle or his agent making it up!
“He seems a good lad and he was good in the Premier League so good luck to him if he moves but he would be sorely missed too.”
OPINION
Hegazi has been a super important player for West Brom this season. He has made 34 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies, scoring one goal in the process, which came against Swansea in November. Hegazi was on top form on Wednesday when Albion beat Swansea yet again in the Championship, even though they were under the charge of caretaker manager James Shan. West Brom have not won a league game this season when Hegazi has not played. He has missed six Championship fixtures due to injury, and Albion have earned just four points in those games. He was unavailable for the 1-1 draw with Ipswich on Saturday, and maybe Darren Moore wouldn’t have been sacked if the ex-Fiorentina defender was there to bolster the defence. As Holloway says, it would be a shame for West Brom fans if they lost Hegazi, but it’s not like he could turn down a team like Real Madrid. However the link to the La Liga giants is so tenuous that it’s not even worth deliberating if it’s true or not.