West Brom still need a new centre-back, insists Tony Pulis
Tony Pulis still wants to sign a first-team centre-back to partner Jonny Evans – despite impressive opening day performances from Ahmed Hegazi and Craig Dawson.
The Baggies boss, who has made Evans his captain this season, was pleased with match-winner Hegazi, who is on a season-long loan from Al Ahly.
But Pulis prefers to play Dawson at right-back and with Gareth McAuley currently out injured, the Welshman remains eager to sign a centre-back.
Pulis has already had two club-record bids for Ben Gibson rejected by Middlesbrough, but is now looking at other options for his back-line.
Hegazi, though, will give any new arrival stiff competition after his man of the match performance against Bournemouth.
“Yes he played well, but we still need one,” said Pulis, who spotted the 6ft 5in Egyptian playing in the African Cup of Nations. “I liked the two Egyptian centre-halves, him and the lad alongside him (Ali Gabr).
“We followed it up and found out he'd most probably be the best and we've taken a chance. Hopefully it'll be a chance that has come off.
“That's our first game, come and see me after 30 games and I'll tell you (if it has).”
Pulis is also hoping to buy a central midfielder so he can send talented youngsters Sam Field and Rekeem Harper out on loan.
Field started against Bournemouth and was then replaced by 17-year-old debutant Harper with 20 minutes to go.
The Baggies boss is trying to lure Gareth Barry away from Goodison Park following Everton's summer spending spree with a two-year deal and promise of more game time.
Elsewhere, West Ham are closing in on former Albion target William Carvalho of Sporting Lisbon. Tony Pulis cooled interest in the midfielder earlier this summer.
