West Bromwich Albion have strengthened their defence by bringing in Egyptian defender Ali Gabr on loan until the end of the season.

The 29-year-old moves from Zamalek and will now team up with compatriot Ahmed Hegazi in the Baggies backline.

“I’m here to help the team and do my job. I’m very happy and excited to be here,” he told the club website.

The deal could be made permanent if Gabr impresses and technical director Nick Hammond is delighted with the latest recruit having kept tabs on the defender during the African Cup of Nations.

“He’s a player that we first identified at the African Cup of Nations where he played alongside Ahmed,” he said.

“We’ve continued to follow his progress since then and saw a good opportunity to do a deal in this window.

“The structure is the same as for Ahmed – it’s a well-structured deal for the club. Ali is strong, dominant in the air and he’s got good pace as well. This is a great opportunity for him and we’re delighted to have him here.”

West Brom are 19th in the Premier League with one win in their last five matches.