Premier League scouts were out in force to watch Egypt against South Africa last Sunday but it was a 38-year-old goalkeeper who caught the eye.
Essam El Hadary has a massive 125 caps for Egypt but was their star performer once again as he kept South Africa at bay with a series of fantastic saves to secure a 0-0 draw.
It did little for Egypt’s qualification hopes ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations but may go some way to helping El Hadary secure his dream move to England.
Newcastle, Wigan, West Bromwich, Wolves, Sunderland, Swansea, Hull and Leicester were all understood to be represented as they looked for the latest talents to emerge from two of Africa’s best footballing nations, yet El Hadary, who plays for Sudanese Premier League side El-Merreikh, is now one under consideration.
He is 6ft 3ins tall and available for around £250,000 or on a loan deal.
While he may not immediately spring to mind as a first choice for Premier League sides, he could comfortably provide back-up and would not be out of place as a No 1 playing in the Championship
He has won the Africa Cup of Nations four times and been voted goalkeeper of the tournament in the past three events.
His representative Bryan Yeubrey said: ‘There have been some tentative enquiries but it is fair to say several Premier and Championship clubs are showing interest.
‘He’s a great guy and a very good goalkeeper. You don’t play that many times for your country without having quality.’
