Deal near as Borja Valero looks to go

Atletico Madrid defender Pablo Ibanez is poised to complete his move to the Hawthorns as record signing Borja Valero set his sights on a move back to Spain.

The Baggies were hoping to tie up the loose ends of Ibanez's free transfer from Atletico Madrid today, before confirming a pre-contract agreement with the 28-year-old.

But Valero now seems determined to sever his links with Albion, as reports from Spain claim the £4.7m midfielder has agreed a four-year contract with Sevilla.

However, they have not agreed a fee with Albion for the 25-year-old and Spanish sources suggest they are unwilling to pay more than around £4.3million for his services.

The Baggies are certain to demand more, with Valero's starring displays during his year on loan at Real Mallorca raising his stock.

But the player is keen to remain in Spain and, with other clubs including Getafe also keeping tabs on him, it now appears increasingly unlikely that he will figure in future Albion plans.

His compatriot Ibanez, however, is close to completing his move to the Hawthorns after a hold-up in the completion of the deal because of the Bank Holiday shut-down.

The former Spain international spent Friday at the Baggies training ground undergoing medical tests and discussing personal terms on his Bosman free transfer.