Newcastle and Brighton are eyeing moves for West Brom's Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazi, sources have told ESPN FC.
Hegazi started all 38 Premier League games for West Brom last season and his impressive performances have brought him to the attention of a number of Premier League clubs, with Newcastle and Brighton pushing to sign a centre-back before the transfer window closes.
West Brom are keen to keep hold of Hegazi but know they are facing a losing battle following their relegation.
Hegazi, who was one of West Brom's shining lights this season despite their relegation, has a release clause in the region of £10 million in his contract at the Hawthorns, sources said.
The news has alerted Hegazi's suitors, who are ready to trigger the release clause as they look to land the Egyptian for a bargain fee before the close of the transfer window.
Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is in the market for defensive reinforcements after losing Florian Lejeune for a large chunk of next season with a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in preseason.
Brighton have been busy in this summer's transfer window, but Seagulls boss Chris Hughton is still looking to bring in a new centre-back to bolster his squad before the transfer window closes next week.
In May, sources told ESPN FC that Tottenham, West Ham United and Leicester City were also tracking Hegazi.
