Albion braced for Simon Cox interest

Albion striker Simon Cox has emerged as a a transfer target for Championship club Derby County.

Rams boss Nigel Clough is keeping close tabs on the 23-year-old and will consider a loan swoop if there is any encouragement from the Hawthorns.

Sources in the East Midlands confirmed today that the former Reading and Swindon man is on a list of forwards being watched by Clough, who is looking to strengthen his strikeforce.

The Pride Park chief is also keen on Scunthorpe's highly-rated Gary Hooper, Sheffield United's Billy Sharp and Everton's James Vaughan, who he signed on loan last season.

Albion would not consider selling Cox, who they signed from Swindon for an initial £1.5million a year ago.

But Clough would hope to persuade Baggies officials that an extended spell on loan with Derby and the promise of regular Championship football would represent a useful next phase in the player's development.

Cox is highly-rated at the Hawthorns and staff and coaches were hugely impressed with his positive attitude last season, despite several spells struggling for regular first-team football. and would not consider letting him leave at present.

But Albion are looking to bolster their own forward line over the summer and success in the transfer market for the Baggies could push Cox further down the pecking order, which could open the door for a possible loan move.

The player is also keen to make his mark for the Baggies in the Premier League, having just bought a house close to the club's training ground and would be reluctant to move at present. But his attitude could change if he finds himself on the sidelines in the opening weeks of next season.

But the Baggies will not be pursuing an interest in former Tottenham and West Ham defender Calum Davenport.

The 27-year-old has been working at the Baggies training ground on his rehabilitation from injuries suffered in an alleged domestic incident that is the subject of a pending court case.

But, having signed former Spain international Pablo Ibanez from Atletico Madrid, Albion will not be taking their interest further.