Said joins Everton

Said (centre) joins from Egyptian side Al Ahly

Exclusive By Amr Shaheen BBC Sport Online's man in Cairo

Egypt international defender Ibrahim Said has joined English Premiership side Everton on a five-month loan deal.

Everton have paid Said's club in Egypt, Al Ahly, £100,000 to take the 24-year-old.

Said, who has previously failed to get a contract in Europe for Belgian side Ghent, had trials with Everton during the summer.

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However, he was unable to sign because of a cash shortage at Everton.

Said is one of the best players in Egyptian football and is known for his versatility, having played mostly in defence and midfield but also occasionally up front.

He was part of the Al Ahly side that swept to victory in the 2001 African Champions League.

Ahly's marketing manager, Adly El Kaiey, confirmed Said's switch.

"The club accepted the loan deal with Everton and I am sure that our player will be a huge success in the English Premier League," said El Kaiey.

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