West Brom close to Gregan deal

West Brom are confident they will finally secure the services of Preston midfielder Sean Gregan in the next few days.

The Baggies have been involved in a war of words with Preston chairman Derek Shaw for the past few weeks over the proposed £2m (€3.15m) transfer of Gregan.

The Premiership newcomers had a series of bids rejected before satisfying Preston’s demands and now they have made a breakthrough as they attempt to agree personal terms with Gregan.

Albion managing director Brendon Batson has denied claims from Shaw that the Baggies were penny-pinching, preventing Gregan from already tying up a move.

Batson insisted: “That is not the case. We have taken this deal forward and we are very hopeful that Sean Gregan will become an Albion player in the next few days.

“Sean has made it very clear that he wants to play in the Premiership and he knows how keen that Gary Megson is on signing him.

“The danger with all transfers is that something can happen at the last minute but we are moving things along gradually. A lot of work is going on behind the scenes.”