Baggies close in on Quashie

West Brom are stepping up their efforts to sign Southampton midfielder Nigel Quashie in a £1m (€1.5m) plus deal.

The Baggies are hopeful of tying up a deal for Quashie before the transfer window closes on Tuesday and are understood to be close to agreeing a fee for the 27-year-old player.

Southampton spent £2.1m (€3m) when they signed the Scotland international from local rivals Portsmouth 12 months ago.

Quashie is intent on a move back into the top flight and his arrival would further strengthen Albion’s midfield after the on-loan capture of Jan Kozak from Artmedia Bratislava.

Meanwhile, Albion striker Geoff Horsfield is on the verge of joining Coca-Cola Championship promotion contenders Sheffield United on loan.

Horsfield has struggled to earn a regular place since the opening week of the season when he scored four goals in two matches.

It is understood the former Fulham player will move to Bramall Lane with a view to signing a permanent deal in the summer.

But Horsfield’s departure will not go through until Kanu and Diomansy Kamara return from African Nations Cup duty.