Burnley, Sheffield United 'interested in Al Ittihad defender Ahmed Hegazy'

The 32-year-old has experience of playing in the Premier League at West Bromwich Albion and also helped the Baggies secure promotion to the top flight under Slaven Bilic in the 2019-20 term.

Hegazy has featured 82 times for Al Ittihad since an initial loan move from The Hawthorns in October 2020, scoring 10 goals and helping the club to their first Saudi Pro League title since 2009.

However, the centre-back has not been included in his team's first-team squad for the 2023-24 season, meaning he is unable to play in the Middle East until at least January.

According to TEAMtalk, there are a number of sides in the English football pyramid who are keen on bringing Hegazy back into European football.

The report claims that Premier League newcomers Burnley and Sheffield United are both interested in the Egyptian, who has also played for the likes of Fiorentina and Al Ahly in his homeland.

On top of this, it is understood that Hegazy is attracting interest from the English Football League, in particular Cardiff City and Middlesbrough, who are both aiming to finish in the top six.

Michael Carrick's Boro commenced the campaign in poor form but have found their feet following the departures of Cameron Archer and top goalscorer Chuba Akpom in the summer.

It is also believed that two Scottish giants have been offered the chance to secure the services of Hegazy in the New Year, with Celtic and Rangers being approached by Al Ittihad.

The Saudi club are reportedly willing to allow the defender to leave on a free transfer in the January window - a deal which could suit the likes of Burnley and Sheffield United.

Vincent Kompany's Clarets have struggled massively since returning to the top flight as Championship winners, collecting four points and conceding 32 goals in just 13 games.

The Blades' record defensively has been even poorer, with Paul Heckingbottom's charges shipping 34 goals so far this season, meaning the addition of a player of Hegazy's experience could be key.

The 59-time international has been plagued with a number of ACL injuries in recent seasons and suffered his most recent earlier in the year, keeping him on the sidelines for around six months.

Both looking to record only their second league success of the campaign, Burnley will welcome relegation rivals Sheffield United to Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.