West Brom have agreed a deal to sign centre-back Gabriel Tamas on loan from Auxerre until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move.
Tamas has long been on Roberto Di Matteo's radar and his switch to The Hawthorns, pending a work permit and international clearance, should go through on Saturday when the international transfer window reopens.
The 26-year-old Romania international will arrive too late to play in Albion's FA Cup clash at Huddersfield but could feature against promotion rivals Nottingham Forest next Friday.
Tamas provides Albion with another much-needed option at the heart of their defence following Abdoulaye Meite's departure for African Nations Cup duty with Ivory Coast.
He has recently completed a second loan spell with Romanian club Dinamo Bucharest and has previously played for Galatasary, Spartak Moscow and Celta Vigo.
Tamas' arrival potentially paves the way for Leon Barnett to complete a permanent switch to Championship neighbours Coventry.
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