WEST Bromwich Albion hope to tie up the loan deal for Szabolcs Huszti - more than seven years since he first came onto the club’s radar.

The Baggies have been liaising with Zenit St Petersburg about taking their 28-year-old wideman on a loan deal, with a view to a permanent summer transfer.

Huszti first came onto Albion’s radar during autumn 2004 when Gary Megson, and then Bryan Robson, were managers.

Albion opted against a move at the time, but have monitored his progress since.

Roy Hodgson has fully endorsed the pursuit of the former Hungary international, who was once a team-mate of Zoltan Gera’s at Ferencvaros.

But he ruled out a move for Stuttgart striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, who was subject of an Albion enquiry, as was Fulham defender Chris Baird, who was wanted on loan.

The Londoners have no intention of allowing Baird to leave.

“Chris Baird is not available,” said Hodgson.

“His name was mentioned and I said ‘yes, if he’s going to be released we would be interested’ but I’ve been informed they won’t be releasing him.

“There will be no moves for Pogrebnyak, but Huszti we are in talks with Zenit over a possible loan with an option to buy in the summer.

“Those discussions are ongoing so there is truth in that we have some interest.