Kozak poised for West Brom deal

Slovakian midfielder Jan Kozak is on the verge of joining West Brom on loan from Artmedia Bratislava for the remainder of the season.

The 25-year-old impressed manager Bryan Robson during a trial period and also underwent a medical.

The player’s agent Petr Kaspar admitted: “Everything should be decided by Wednesday.”

Kozak said: “Bryan Robson called me away from training after four days and said he wanted me in his team.

“I also went through medical tests and I hope things can be sorted out quickly.”

Kozak has scored 24 goals in 104 games for Artmedia, with whom he has also tasted Champions League action.

He had a trial with Liverpool as a teenager but hopes of a deal fell through because he was unable to obtain a work permit.

Albion are also eyeing Middlesbrough striker Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink whose current contract runs out this summer.

Albion are believed not to be put off by Hasselbaink’s wages of around £45,000 a week and are set to offer him an 18-month contract.

But they have been told by Steve McClaren that any move for Ugo Ehiogu will have to be permanent.

West Brom had been exploring the option of taking the central defender on loan for the remainder of the season with a view to a permanent deal going through in the summer.