West Brom step up interest in Scott Sinclair

West Brom are preparing to step up their interest in Scott Sinclair as the Manchester City winger attempts to broker an exit from Manchester City on loan.

The Baggies have been monitoring the Team GB Olympics wide man for several months after his frustrating first season at the Etihad Stadium.

But they are now preparing to push ahead with their attempt to bring him to the Hawthorns, with Sinclair expected to hold talks with City about his future in the next fortnight.

The 24-year-old is keen to play regular football next season after starting just two Premier League games for City following his £6.2million switch from Swansea a year ago.

He is unlikely to move permanently, as he has three years remaining on a big-money City contract, but he is confident he can persuade new City boss Manuel Pellegrini to loan him out for a season.

And that would encourage the Baggies, with chairman Jeremy Peace keen to make use of both the club's permitted domestic loans.

That would follow the success of Romelu Lukaku's arrival from Chelsea last season, although they would face competition from elsewhere in the Premier League.

Sinclair faces a delayed start to the season as he is unlikely to train fully until August as he recovers from surgery after a blood clot.

That is unlikely to deter the Baggies, however, after boss Steve Clarke made wide players a top priority.

The signing of loan players from the Premier League's 'big five' would fit with the a 'step-by-step' approach that today received the backing of captain Chris Brunt.

The Northern Ireland international said: "We have gone about things steadily and not done anything major too quickly.

"We have just built every season and things have improved, and I'd say that's the best way to do it for a club of our size.

"Everybody wants success as quickly as possible but it's not just about the football pitch.

"The way we do things is definitely the right way for a club of our size."