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West Brom warn Millwall over Chris Wood price tag

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West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke today told Millwall it will take a "big cheque" to prise in-form striker Chris Wood out of The Hawthorns.

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The Lions are keen to strike a permanent deal for the 20-year-old, who has hit six goals in 11 matches on loan at The Den. But Clarke has warned Millwall manager Kenny Jackett he is reluctant to sell the New Zealand international unless West Brom receive a big offer.

"Chris has gone out for experience and to score a few goals out there," said Clarke. "And if Millwall want to buy him they'd better have a big wallet or a big cheque because goalscorers in the Championship cost a lot of money."

Wood's Hawthorns contract is due to expire next summer but the Baggies have not ruled out offering him an extension.

However, Millwall are keen to keep the Albion academy product, who also enjoyed a prolific Championship loan spell at Birmingham last season as well as figuring for Bristol City.

Chairman John Berylson said: "We'll try (to sign him).

"Chris is someone we've known about for years. West Brom will have to make a decision as to whether they want to sell him or not and set a price.

Options

"Hopefully we can meet in the middle. We'll see what happens. Everybody knows I've always wanted us to be strong up front. He'd be great to have and it's always something I'm thinking about."

Albion are continuing to weigh up their options for the January transfer window with Clarke unruffled by suggestions that Chelsea could recall on-loan striker Romelu Lukaku.

The teenager's season-long loan move includes a recall clause during the transfer window, but there has been little suggestion that Roberto Di Matteo wants the Belgium international back .

Meanwhile, Baggies sources have distanced the club from reports suggesting Huddersfield head of football operations is in the frame to replace Dan Ashworth as sporting and technical director.

The 30-year-old, who has worked for Falkirk and Watford, has impressed in his three months with the Terriers but he is not thought to be among the main contenders to replace Ashworth, who will leave for the FA next year.