Donk to join as Baggies gear up

Dutch defender Ryan Donk is poised to join Albion from AZ Alkmaar as the Baggies gear up for a frantic transfer deadline day.

The 22-year-old centre-back is set to seal a season-long loan deal, that could spell the end of Neil Clement's Albion career, with Hull considering a swoop.

Donk's arrival is unlikely to end the day's activity at the Hawthorns, with Albion talking to clubs across Europe about potential transfers.

Midfielders Peter Luccin, Teko Modise, Zheng Zhi and even Kevin Thomson are all reportedly on the radar, as clubs entered the final 12 hours of summer transfer business.

The Baggies were also thought to be monitoring Portsmouth striker David Nugent, as they again tried to speed up talks with Real Mallorca over Oscar Trejo.

Deadline weekend gathered pace when giant Swedish centre-back Jonas Olsson wrapped up his £800,000 switch from Dutch side NEC Nijmegen.

The 6ft 3in tall 25-year-old was followed by Donk, who has landed for a medical, after agreeing a one-year loan with a view to a permanent deal.

With Donk, Olsson, Abdoulaye Meite and Leon Barnett now battling for two places at centre-back, Hull are eyeing the prospect of a permanent deal for Clement, who impressed last season during a stint on loan at the KC Stadium.

There are signs that Albion could be willing to do business for their longest serving player, who would end an eight-year stay if he departs.

Donk's signing appeared to complete the reshaping of the Albion defence, with Mowbray then turning his attentions to beefing up his strike force.

Argentine Trejo, aged 20, remains his top target but the prospect of a deal before the deadline appeared to be receding .

Pompey's England striker Nugent is one of a number of alternatives being considered.

Mowbray is also keen to recruit a central midfielder, with Scotland star Thomson of Glasgow Rangers still his preferred option.