West Bromwich Albion have asked about taking Egyptian defender Ahmed Hegazy, 26, on loan from Al Ahly.
The 6ft 5ins centre-back has 39 caps and previously played for Fiorentina in Italy.
Albion had been discussing a loan for Chelsea's Kurt Zouma but were put off by the cost of the deal, believed to be £8m in total. Zouma is expected to join Stoke City.
West Brom also want Everton midfielder Gareth Barry but will not be pursuing a deal for 25-year-old free agent Jason Lowe who has been training with them in Austria after leaving Blackburn Rovers.