Albion boss Tony Mowbray is braced for the loan market to hot up next week as the transfer window reaches its final stages.

The Baggies manager expects a frantic week of phonecalls over potential loan signings as rival clubs ‘get real’ over the need to offload players.

Mowbray wants another striker and a holding midfielder before the window closes in nine days and has lodged an interest with a host of clubs over possible new recruits.

He said: “We’re still working extremely hard to make things happen and yet in the marketplace we’re in, we are asking for loans.

“The window is coming towards the last week or so and I think some clubs will get more realistic as we get closer to the end of the window – and realise that we’re not going to pay £1million loan fees.

“I think some of them are getting a bit closer to us but let’s wait and see as the window gets down to the last few days.”

Mowbray has rejected the notion he is frustrated to be working in the loan market, while several relegation rivals are striking cash deals for players.

Fellow promoted side Hull have paid £5million for Fulham’s Jimmy Bullard, while Tottenham forked out more than £14million for Wigan’s Wilson Palacios.

But the Baggies boss says he accepts the limitations of working at the Hawthorns.

He said: “I would rather our chairman said ‘we’ve got £50million, and said ‘go and spend it next week.’  But in the real world that isn’t happening.

“There are not many clubs out there who can do that – maybe only Manchester City or Tottenham. You’ve just got to get on with it.

“Whether they cost £14million or £4.50, in my mind it is about whether you like them as footballers and I just want good players at my club. Amongst free transfers and loans you can find good players out there.

“Palacios cost Wigan £1m and now he has just gone for £14 million, so is he a £14million player or is he a £1million player? Within a space of a year, has he developed that much?

“Robert Koren joined us in January two years ago on a free transfer from Lillestrom and yet he has played just about every game in the Premier League for us – and cost us absolutely nothing.

“There are decent players out there if you look hard enough and can find them.”