West Brom manager Roy Hodgson says exiting Blues defender Gareth McAuley will complete his move to the Baggies this week. The 31-year-old was at the Hawthorns on Friday when it had been thought he would put pen to paper on a contract.

Hodgson says that the Northern Irishman is yet to sign but that the formalities should be complete in the next few days: "It's likely that he will sign. Nothing has been concluded yet, but we are in discussions with Gareth McAuley and his agent, so it is likely that something will be finalised during the coming week."

Out-of-contract McAuley told Blues boss Paul Jewell that he would be moving on on the Monday following the final game of the season at Leicester with West Brom quickly emerging as his destination. Hodgson confirmed his interest last week.

McAuley joined the Blues from Leicester for a fee of £1.1 million in June 2008 and made 126 starts and one sub appearance, scoring eight goals.

The former Lincoln man was offered a new two-year deal by Town before Christmas but despite continuing to talk to the club in the final months of the season, decided against staying at Portman Road with SPL giants Rangers also showing interest.

Story syndicated from TWTD.co.uk

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