No deal has yet been done between the Blues and West Brom for the signing of striker Ali Al-Hamadi but TWTD understands the Baggies are looking to sign the Iraqi international on a permanent rather than loan basis.
Widespread reports in the Midlands this morning claimed Al-Hamadi was with the Hawthorns club today to undergo a medical and complete the formalities on a loan switch.
However, we understand that was overstating the position with the clubs still to agree terms on a move with the Championship side keen on the permanent addition of the former AFC Wimbledon man rather than a loan, as had been suggested.
Al-Hamadi did travel for talks with the club now managed by former Blues skipper and coach Tony Mowbray but with the move still having a long way to go before it is done.
The 22-year-old has been Town’s third-choice frontman this season but his only starts came in the cup ties against his former club AFC Wimbledon and Bristol Rovers.
In the summer, Al-Hamadi was close to signing for Derby on loan but the move didn’t happen after Town pulled out of the deal to sign Armando Broja on loan from Chelsea.
A move - either permanently or on loan - during January has always looked on the cards with the Blues known to want to bring in a more senior frontman during this window.
Iraq-born, Liverpool-raised Al-Hamadi joined Town for around £1 million from the Dons in January last year and has made three starts - one in the league - and 24 sub appearances, scoring five times. His only goal this season came in the Carabao Cup tie against his old club at Plough Lane in August.