"We are close to tying it all up. We hope to have it completed by Friday of this week," said Barnett' agent Mel Goldberg.
Barnett is now set to follow in the foot-steps of former Baggies colleague Curtus Davies - who moved to the Hawthorns in a similar deal in 2005. Now, ironically, Barnett is seen by many as the man who will indeed replace Davies - who is anxious to quit West Brom for the top-flight. It is also reported that The Baggies are bracing themselves for further enquiries for defenders Paul McShane and Paul Robinson. Robinson and McShane were both high on Sunderland's wanted list and the Black Cats are now again said to be looking at the former Manchester United central defender. Wigan are said to be considering a move for Robinson, who is seen as a possible replacement for Leighton Baines - who has been in talks with Sunderland.