Liverpool will not be allowed to go over the heads of West Brom to sign Ahmed Hegazy, Al Ahly boss Sayed Abdel Hafiz has said.
Jurgen Klopp's side have long been slated for their porous defence, with Dejan Lovren, in particular, the most recent name to have come under the spotlight for criticism.
Reds fans had been confident of signing highly rated Southampton man Virgil van Dijk over the summer, only for the Anfield outfit to have to issue an apology to the Saints for tapping up the Dutch defender.
And, having failed in their pursuit of the Netherlands international, Liverpool have been linked with number of new targets – one of which being on-loan Egyptian stopper Hegazy.
Klopp and Co. will not find a move easy, according to Al Ahly manager Hafiz, who insists West Brom have the first option over any other side when it comes to signing the 26-year-old.
“West Bromwich Albion have the priority to acquire the services of Hegazi on a permanent basis,” Hafiz told reporters.
“If they want to buy him they have to pay $5 million.
“Liverpool do not have the right to bid higher than West Brom because the player is on loan with the Baggies and they do not need to enter new negotiations.”
Hegazy, whose original loan move cost €3m, had turned out 15 times for the Premier League side this season, scoring one goal.