Cox considering €2.4m move to Rovers
Albion withdrew Cox from their friendly with Barnsley at the weekend following a bid from Rovers. The initial offer was rejected but the two clubs are still talking and a deal is expected to be finalised shortly.
Celtic were also rumoured to be interested though they have made no contact with the Premier League club, though a last-minute bid from Middlesbrough cannot be ruled out.
Boro boss Tony Mowbray got the ball rolling for Cox’s €1.8m move to Albion from Swindon before departing from the Hawthorns for Parkhead.
“Simon was originally in the squad to travel but a club has put a bid in for him,” said Clarke.
“That bid wasn’t accepted but he didn’t feel he was quite right to play. He didn’t ask not to play — he said he wasn’t quite right.
“He said he needed time to think so I took the decision to not include him, it was my decision.”
Cox started just six Premier League games last season for the Baggies but Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni has seen him as an important player for Ireland, using him ahead of teammate Long in Euro 2012.
There has been a lot of speculation in the Black Country regarding the future of Long. Reports that Albion have rejected a bid from his old club, Premier League new boys Reading, have been dismissed by the club.
“There has been nothing regarding Shane,” said Clarke emphatically. “There have been no bids and he is not for sale. His future is with us, 100%.”
Stephen Hunt, meanwhile, has vowed to continue giving his all for the Wolves squad. Hunt is in the final year of his deal at Wolves and his future is uncertain after last season’s relegation.
He said: “It won’t make any difference to me if I am in my first year or my last year. I will always play the same way, even if I am out of contract I will play the same way.
“That’s the way I am. It hasn’t really crossed my mind but obviously with a year left, it puts everyone on their toes to a certain degree.’’
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