INTERVIEW-Egypt general could be new leader-Islamist

* Army chief could be "man of Egypt" - Helbawy

* Says knows Islamists cannot rule Egypt alone

By William Maclean, Security Correspondent

LONDON, Feb 1 (Reuters) - Egypt's armed forces chief of staff Sami Enan could be an acceptable successor to Hosni Mubarak because he is perceived as incorruptible, a member of the banned Muslim Brotherhood said on Tuesday.

Kamel El-Helbawy, a prominent overseas cleric from Egypt's main opposition movement, told Reuters that Enan, who has good ties with Washington, was a liberal who could be seen as suitable by an opposition coalition taking shape on the streets of Egypt.

"He can be the future man of Egypt," Helbawy said in a telephone interview.

"I think he will be acceptable ... because he has enjoyed some good reputation. He is not involved in corruption. The people do not know him (as corrupt)."

Helbawy said Enan was not an Islamist but "a good, liberal man".