12:00pm Friday 27th January 2012
By Andy Naylor
Gus Poyet has warned Albion’s transfer business could go to the wire amid interest in striker Will Hoskins from Bournemouth and competition for their bid to land highly-rated Falkirk defender Murray Wallace.
The January window shuts at 11pm on Tuesday, shortly after the Seagulls’ visit to arch rivals Crystal Palace.
Poyet told The Argus: “We’re looking okay. We are close to a couple of things. We have got some standby situations if they don’t go through.
“I think there is a possibility they are going to go to the very end, to the 31st during the game against Palace somebody is going to be signing here or what ever.
“But that is the transfer window for you. We’re doing all right. I’m quite happy with the situation.”
Poyet is still not ruling out transfer activity ahead of Newcastle’s FA Cup visit tomorrow night. “It can happen,” he said.
“I’d like to have someone before Saturday so he can be ready and training with us for three or four days before Palace. That would be absolutely great for us.”
Sources close to Bournemouth yesterday claimed a fee of around £450,000 had been agreed with Albion for Hoskins but The Argus understands that was not the case.
The Seagulls have refused to comment on speculation over the future of Hoskins, who has reportedly turned Bournemouth down.
They are also staying tight-lipped on reports from Scotland linking them with a £300,000 move for 19-year-old Wallace.
A source close to Falkirk has told The Argus Albion have been given permission to speak to Wallace after agreeing a fee.
The left-sided former Glasgow Rangers prospect is also a target for Ipswich and Huddersfield, while Newcastle, Norwich, Swansea and Charlton have been linked as well.
Hoskins, meanwhile, was taken aback yesterday by reports of Bournemouth’s interest.
He tweeted: “Just got in from training reading all my tweets. Shocked as u all are. Football is a mad game.
“I have only just got back from my injuries and looking to bang some goals in. Would be disappointed if it is true.”
He later added: “My comment about being disappointed was not aimed at the club (Bournemouth) but about a fee being agreed as only joined (Albion) in the summer.
“Quite alot to take in at the moment. This has all been sprung on me.”
Injuries have restricted Hoskins, 25, to one goal in three starts and eight appearances in total a since a £500,000 summer move from Bristol Rovers rising to a possible £800,000.
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.theargus.co.uk/trade_directory/