Rumours in Brief

West Bromwich Albion are said to be close to tying up a deal with their former employee, Zoltan Gera, while DJ Campbell may have caught Mark Hughes' eye with a £1.25 million buy-out clause.

Hungarian winger Gera, despite the step back he took in midweek over claims he wants to quit Craven Cottage, looks set to re-unite not only with his former club, West Brom, but his former manager, Roy Hodgson, who certainly looks favourably upon the 32-year-old who played such a key part in Hodgson's European exploits. He had said, recently, that it wasn't 'certain' he would quit, after a season of invariably watching on from the sidelines. However, an opportunity to play under the tutorship of Hodgson again is likely to see him leave London. His contract expires next month so no fee would be required. 

On the way in could be Blackpool striker DJ Campbell who has impressed the critics during his side's brief Premier League campaign. Both Hughes and Sunderland manager Steve Bruce have perked their heads up at the aforementioned news of Campbell's meagre release clause. He's scored 13 goals this season under Ian Holloway and at times has even been touted as a potential international as Capello's choices dwindle up front. Andy Johnson may well be on the way out and Mark Hughes feels the experience Campbell has gained at the highest level could provide perfect backup for the likes of Bobby Zamora and Moussa Dembele. Steve Bruce may well be more desperate to land the former non-League star, though.