Baggies step up Gera chase
Gera, who spent four years with the Baggies during his first spell, is out of contract at Fulham. Albion held initial discussions with the Hungary international a fortnight ago and the 32-year-old is due to undergo a second round of negotiations later this week. Gera made the switch to Craven Cottage during the summer of 2008 when he was signed by Roy Hodgson who is now in charge of West Brom. Hodgson also remains keen on bringing in another free transfer target in midfielder David Vaughan. He has been offered a new three-year contract by Blackpool but is keen to remain in the Premier League. Albion insist reports they are happy to part company with left-back Nicky Shorey, linked with a move to Nottingham Forest, are wide of the mark. But Shorey's deputy, Marek Cech, is expected to be allowed to leave the club.