West Brom are closing in on the loan signing of John Carew - with Ishmael Miller set to be released on loan to Queens Park Rangers.

The Baggies made significant in-roads into their pursuit of Carew yesterday, acting swiftly following Villa's £24million signing of Darren Bent on Tuesday.

Carew is expected to join on loan until the rest of the season, with the Baggies likely to pay most of his wages as part of the deal.

I understand there will also be an option for Albion secure his signature on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee in the summer, provided they stay up.

Carew, should he join, will not be eligible to play against Villa in the Hawthorns fixture on April 30.

The ex-Lyon man, who has scored 53 goals in 135 appearances for Villa, expressed a desire to join Albion recently, according to sources close to both the player and the Birmingham Mail.

The Baggies almost signed him two weeks ago only for the deal to collapse late on due to Emile Heskey's dismissal and three game ban.

But Albion have moved swiftly to try and secure him, even though the deal has not yet been signed off.

Reports last night claiming the deal was done, subject to a medical, were somewhat premature.