Clarke reveals bid to lure Simon Cox away from West Brom

West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke has revealed a bid has been made for their Republic of Ireland international Simon Cox.

The Baggies, who are 10/3 to be relegated down to the Championship this season, are keen on keeping hold of the 25-year-old, who signed for the Premier League outfit from Swindon Town in 2009.

Old Firm outfit Celtic have reportedly been in the hunt for the talented striker and now Championship side Blackburn Rovers are believed to have joined the hunt for the Republic forward.

Cox joined the Baggies in a deal in the region of £1.5m and, if he is to leave the Hawthorns, the West Midlands outfit will not want to let the Irishman go for less than they paid.

West Brom manager Clarke has revealed an unnamed club has made a bid and he decided not to feature the player in the goalless draw with Barnsley in a pre-season friendly on Saturday.

He told the club’s official website: “A bid has been put in for Simon and you know what it’s like when something like (this) happens.

“The player can become a little bit distracted so I made the decision not to bring him today.

“Things might resolve themselves over the weekend. If they don’t, Simon will be back working with us.

“In fact, I know he’s due in tomorrow for training with the group.”