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West Bromwich Albion close to Jason Davidson deal

Albion plan to complete a deal for one full-back this weekend – as hopes of signing another fade.

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The Baggies are believed to be close to settling on a deal to bring in Australian defender Jason Davidson after the left-back went "walkabout" from his Dutch club Heracles Almelo.

But hopes of recruiting right-back Alan Hutton appear to be waning following the Scottish international's appearance for Villa in a pre-season friendly at Mansfield last night.

A deal for Davidson would complete the rebuild required for the left-back following the exits of Liam Ridgewell and Goran Popov and the signing last weekend of Belgium international Sébastien Pocognoli.

Heracles are still smarting over Davidson's non-appearance for pre-season training but, behind the dispute about whether or not another and final year of his contract has been activated, accept that the player is now lost. If the Eredivisie club's case stands up, Albion will have to pay a fee for the 24-year-old.

That is the only way they are likely to get Hutton out of Villa now that manager Paul Lambert has invited the defender back into the fold following a two-year exile.

Albion's bid for the player has got snagged on the change in circumstance at their neighbours which has left Lambert going 'cap in hand' to players he had previously rejected.

Hutton played an impressive role in Villa's opening pre-season game last night which has ramped up the pressure on Lambert not allowing him to move across to The Hawthorns.

Only a fee which would persuade owner Randy Lerner to accept a return on his investment in the player could change the picture – and the Baggies are notoriously reluctant fee payers.

They are in the queue, though, to speak to Jack Cork, the 25-year-old Southampton midfielder who is up for grabs.

The England age group international is the son of famed Wimbledon and Sheffield United veteran Alan and has travelled from Bournemouth to Burnley developing his game.

But he is at the end of a three year deal at Saints following a £750,000 transfer there and now a clutch of Premier League clubs are willing to offer him terms.

Sources at Albion confirm he is under consideration – an interest that will pick up if the George Thorne sale to Derby develops.

Talks went on yesterday with the onus remaining on Derby to meet Albion's valuation which is way in excess of the £1m-plus that has been on the table so far for the 21-year-old.

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