West Midlands (England), Jan 30 (IANS): West Bromwich Albion confirmed the signing of defender Ali Gabr on loan through the end of this season from Egypt's Zamalek club.

Albion has an option to permanently sign the 29-year-old Egyptian for an agreed-upon fee on Monday, reports Efe.

"I'm here to help the team and do my job. I'm very happy and excited to be here," Gabr said after the signing.

Gabr is to join his compatriot Ahmed Hegazi, a former rival from the top team in the Egyptian Premier League al-Ahly FC who moved to Albion in the summer transfer window.

Albion's technical director Nick Hammond said: "He's a player that we first identified at the African Cup of Nations where he played alongside Ahmed."

Hammond added that Gabr, who is to wear the number 16 jersey, was "a well-structured deal" for the English team.

Albion is currently in the 19th position in the English Premier League table with 20 points after 24 rounds.