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West Brom move for Victor Moses but Steve Clarke fears transfer business too late

Albion were today locked in a battle for Chelsea's Victor Moses as Steve Clarke revealed he fears they have left their transfer business too late.

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Clarke gave his most frank assessment yet of the Baggies' summer dealings as their hunt for reinforcements entered a crucial final four days of the transfer window.

But the club have registered an interest in Moses after Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had a change of heart over loaning out the 22-year-old winger. Liverpool have also enquired about

Moses and several other clubs are keeping tabs, meaning Albion could again miss out on a player they tried to sign from Crystal Palace in 2010.

So far this summer the Baggies have completed three loans, Scott Sinclair, Matej Vydra and Goran Popov, and two free-transfer deals, Nicolas Anelka and Diego Lugano.

"I am concerned we've left it too late and maybe we won't get the right players in to help the squad I've got," said Clarke, who met Jeremy Peace yesterday on his 50th birthday as the Albion chairman attended the club's monthly board meeting.

"The squad proved last year they were good but they need some help. Scott Sinclair coming in was great and he has given the whole place a lift but it would be nice to get another couple in before Monday night.

"It would be nice if the chairman and the club could help us with a couple of signings. But rather than giving it to me as a present, it would be a nice gift for the squad."

Steve Clarke speaks at a press conference ahead of the Swansea game

Clarke enquired about Moses earlier in the summer with Chelsea rebuffing his efforts, but this week's arrivals of Willian and Samuel Eto'o at Stamford Bridge have brought a change of heart.

However, the return of former Baggies loanee Romelu Lukaku still seems to be a non-starter.

"I exchanged text messages with Jose three or four weeks ago and he said Lukaku is definitely not going out," said Clarke.

"He said he was a big player for Chelsea this season and I think he's right.

"I believe Moses is available to come out (on loan) and he is a player we would be interested in. I can't say I'm confident of landing any player because time is short and I'm getting a little bit nervous."

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