Spanish club Espanyol is interested in signing Egypt and Fiorentina defender Ahmed Hegazy, Spanish newspaper AS reported.

Despite recovering from niggling knee injuries that sidelined him for a lengthy spell, Hegazy has not featured for the Italian club in 11 matches since the season's start.

The 23-year-old was left out of Fiorentina's squad for the Europa League in September.

The omission cast doubts over Hegazy's future with the Serie A side, for whom he has made rare appearances since joining from Egypt's Ismaily in the summer of 2012.

According to AS, Espanyol would like to sign him on loan in the winter transfer window.

Hegazy's previous two seasons have disrupted by injuries.

He ruptured a knee ligament in December 2012 before suffering a similar injury almost a year later while on international duty.

Hegazy has made only four appearances in all competitions since joining Fiorentina, scoring one goal in an Italian Cup clash against lower division side Juve Stabia in November 2012.

Fiorentina is 11th in Serie A, while Espanyol is 12th in the Spanish league.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)