This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

West Brom manager Slaven Bilic has a job on his hands if he wishes to hold onto defender Ahmed Hegazi, with newly promoted Aston Villa interested in taking the 28-year-old to Villa Park, according to BBC Sport.

Villa manager Dean Smith was in Egypt to watch the host nation's shock defeat to South Africa and took the chance to run the rule over Hegazi, who made four appearances for the Egyptians during the tournament.

So with Villa expressing an interest, should the Baggies look to hold onto Hegazi or sell?

We discuss........

Gary Hutchinson

“The Baggies should absolutely be looking to retaining his services, no doubt at all about that.

“He was a big figure for them last season and when they play three at the back, if they do this season, he’s going to be key.

“Even if Bilic plays a conventional four-man defence, a player like Hegazi is always useful. He read the game well and is utterly fearless. If they want to earn promotion, they have to hang on to him.

“However, if there is a Premier League move on the cards, I can’t see him staying put. He’s good enough for the top flight.”

Toby Wilding

"I think they should be doing what they can to keep him.

"Hegazi really impressed me in the Championship for the Baggies last season, and you feel he could have a big part to play in that role again next season if West Brom are to make another push for promotion to the Premier League.

"Given the number of outgoings it looks as if there could be at the Hawthorns this summer - Salomon Rondon and Jay Rodriguez being the latest two - it is hard to see the Baggies agreeing to sell Hegazi being something that goes down well amongst the club's fanbase, particularly if it is to be a local rival such as Aston Villa.

"With three years remaining on his contract at the Hawthorns, it isn't as if they are under any pressure to sell him any time soon, and certainly not for anything less than a significant transfer fee."

Alfie Burns

“I think it is absolutely vital that the Baggies hang onto Hegazi now Dawson has left the club for the Premier League.

“For me, Bilic has all on with his squad being picked apart anyway, so he can’t afford to lose someone as vital as Hegazi.

“Last season he was superb for the Baggies and probably the most consistent of all their options in the heart of defence.

“He can fit comfortably into a three or four man defence, so is the ideal player to be at the heart of things for Bilic next season – there’s no way he will want to lose him.”