Rams boss Jewell hints at deal to buy Ghaly from Tottenham
Wednesday, 26 Mar 2008 12:00
Hossam Ghaly could be set to join Derby on a permanent deal
Derby County manager Paul Jewell has hinted he will try to permanently sign on-loan
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Hossam Ghaly at the end of the season.
The Egyptian international was introduced as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 defeat to
Middlesbrough on Saturday and, according to Jewell, "ran the game".
It is unclear how Ghaly would feel about playing in a lower division with the Rams next season, having joined Spurs in January 2006 with a view to playing top-flight football.
But Jewell is confident he can persuade the 26-year-old to make the move to Pride Park permanent.
"I had a chat with Hossam this morning," the manager told the club's television channel.
"He was terrific when he came on. He has all the tricks but doesn't need to use them all the time.
"He has brilliant feet, a great football brain and good technique, and on Saturday when he came on he ran the game.
"He passed it, did the tricks at the right time, went past people, created opportunities and got back - he looked a real good player and, so far as his future goes, if Hossam plays like that between now and the end of the season we will certainly be looking to try and keep him."
Jewell explained he is yet to begin negotiations with Spurs over a deal to buy Ghaly outright, saying he would need the player to prove his worth again before the end of the season.
"I've not spoken to Tottenham yet - that's one for the end of the season," he revealed.
"Some players I have made my mind up on - others have seven games to convince me."