Zoltan Gera is not quitting West Bromwich Albion, says agent

Apr 30 2008 By Chris Lepkowski

ZOLTAN Gera's agent has dismissed reports claiming that the Albion midfielder is set to leave The Hawthorns.

Reports in Hungary, with quotes attributed to Gera, have stated that the 29-year-old wants to exercise his right to a Bosman free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this season.

But Sam Stapleton, Gera's English-based representative, insists that the player's quotes have been mis-translated.

Stapleton concedes that Gera's future has yet to be decided and admits that his head may be turned by offers from elsewhere.

Gera will be free to speak to other clubs when his current deal ends at the end of the official transfer window, assuming he doesn't commit to Albion in the meantime.

Wigan and Bolton Wanderers have been linked with Gera although there have been no inquiries for him since Middlesbrough's initial interest last winter.

Stapleton told the Birmingham Mail: “There is obviously going to be a lot written about Zoltan in the next month or so purely because he is coming out of contract and done so well this season for West Brom.

"I think everyone expects there to be interest from Premiership sides for Zoltan but the bottom line is that the regulations prevent us actually assessing his options at this stage.

"I know the manager is keen to get this sorted quickly as he prepares for summer business, so is Zoltan and so are we but I'm afraid because of the regulations its going to take a little bit longer.

“In reply to quotes taken from Hungary with regards to Zoltan 'wanting to leave WBA a couple of times' this has been slightly mis-translated.

"What Zoltan is saying is that he has wanted to get back into the Premiership. Zoli is very happy at West Brom, it's become his home and he feels very much wanted there.

"As I have said before, if Zoli chooses to leave West Brom it will be for an established Premiership side and an opportunity that cannot be missed.

"But at this stage we or Zoli cannot say for sure what is happening as we cannot properly assess his options at this time."

Meanwhile, Albion have been linked with a move for Manchester City's young defender Gary Breen.

He first came to Albion's attention when the Baggies were scouting Ishmael Miller, who was then playing for City's reserve side.

Breen has since played for Albion's second string, in their recent games against Walsall and Leicester.