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The deadline for West Bromwich Albion to make Ali Gabr’s loan move to The Hawthorns a permanent one has passed without activation, BirminghamLive understands.

Gabr arrived on the same day as Daniel Sturridge in the January transfer window on loan from Egyptian outfit Zamalek, but didn’t make a single appearance for Albion under neither Alan Pardew or Darren Moore.

Despite a number of match-day squad appearances as an unused substitute, Gabr never got himself on the pitch.

He did feature in the Baggies’ u23s game at Brighton in April. In what was an experienced side that also included Oli Burke and Nacer Chadli, Albion were soundly beaten 5-1.

The Baggies, who are preparing for life in the Championship, had the option to make his loan spell a permanent one this summer had he impressed.

That opportunity has now passed.

Gabr, 29, is currently with Ahmed Hegazi in Russia as the pair represent their native Egypt at the World Cup - the pair were selected to start together in the Pharaohs’ opening match against Uruguay and have been tasked with keeping Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez quiet.

It’s understood that the deal Albion had the chance to activate, which passed this week, was worth a fee in the region of £1.4m.

More Baggies news

Jay Rodriguez is set to be a wanted man this summer.

West Bromwich Albion have been relegated, but Jay Rod could stay in the Premier League with a host of clubs keeping tabs on the Baggies striker

Burnley are keen to take him back to Turf Moor to boost their dual mission for top flight success and a Europa League run.

But one of the clubs interested in Rodriguez, Bournemouth, are reportedly set to pull out of the chase, preferring to concentrate on what they've already got.

According to The Sun, Cherries boss Eddie Howe is ready to abandon his pursuit of Rodriguez to focus on a new contract for Callum Wilson.

The former Coventry City striker is a target for several clubs himself since battling back from a severe knee problem, but Howe wants him to stay at the Vitality Stadium.

The Sun claims that Bournemouth might have to pay Wilson around £60,000 per week to persuade him to stay, effectively ending their interest in Rodriguez.

Albion will not sell Rodriguez on the cheap. They signed him from Southampton for around £12 million last summer and want more than that for the 28-year-old, who has three years left on his contract.

Keeping tabs

Albion are among a trio of clubs said to be tracking Norwich City youngster Ben Godfrey.

The 20-year-old has caught the eye during an impressive loan stint with beaten League One play-off finalists Shrewsbury Town.

Albion, Crystal Palace and Swansea City have all been keeping a keen eye on his performances with a view to a potential swoop this summer, reports HITC Sport.

The midfielder, who was also linked with Albion in January, has returned to parent club Norwich but the Canaries now face a battle to keep hold of him.

Godfrey is also eyeing an inclusion in the England youth setup having made 51 appearances last term.

He signed a new four-year contract with Norwich in August, extending his Carrow Road stay to 2021. The York-born midfielder, who can also operate at right-back, was signed by former City boss Alex Neil in January 2016 after making his first team breakthrough with the Minstermen.

Godfrey has made six senior appearances for the Canaries and scored on his debut in the League Cup against Coventry City last season.

Farke, speaking to the Eastern Daily Press in August after sanctioning Godfrey’s short term move to the Shrews, admitted it was a tough call.

“If I was selfish I would say, no, we wouldn’t let Ben go,” said the City head coach. “To be honest, on a personal level I am sad because he is a great guy who has improved a lot in pre-season. He was not so far away from the XI but there is a lot of competition in his area."

Backroom changes

Albion have announced another change to their coaching set-up ahead of the new season.

Under 18s coach Jamie Smith has been promoted to Under 23s lead whch will see him take charge of Albion's second string for the 2018/2019 season.

He replaces Jimmy Shan who has moved up to the position of first-team coach.

The academy coaching set-up is as follows:

U23 Lead Coach: Jamie Smith

U18 Coaches: Michael Scott, Peter Gilbert

Lead YDP Coach : Leigh Downing

12-14 Assistant Lead YDP Coach: Lee Baker

Foundation Phase Lead Coach: Ashley Lovell

The odds

West Brom will discover their Championship fixture list next week.

The season schedule is released on Thursday, 21 June at 9am.

Albion are preparing for their first campaign back in the second tier in eight years having finished bottom of the Premier League.

Darren Moore, the man who injected a shot of hope in the final weeks of the season as the Baggies battled relegation, will lead the club into their push for promotion.

He was appointed manager on a full-time basis having been in caretaker charge following Alan Pardew's ill-fated reign as boss.

Here's the latest betting on Albion's Championship prospects - starting with their chances of winning the division.

Winner (selected, SkyBet)

Stoke 6/1

West Brom 8/1

Leeds 10/1

Middlesbrough 10/1

Swansea 10/1

Aston Villa 14/1

Brentford 14/1

Nottingham Forest 14/1

Derby 16/1

Norwich 22/1

Sheffield Wednesday 22/1

Bristol City 25/1

Sheffield Utd 25/1

Wigan 25/1

Birmingham 28/1

Preston 28/1

Promoted

Stoke 9/4

West Brom 3/1

Middlesbrough 7/2

Swansea 7/2

Leeds 4/1

Brentford 5/1

Nottingham Forest 5/1

Aston Villa 11/2

Derby 11/2

Bristol City 15/2

Norwich 15/2

Sheffield Wednesday 15/2

Wigan 15/2

Birmingham 8/1

Preston 8/1

Sheffield Utd 8/1

Grzegorz wanted by Fulham

Former West Bromwich Albion loanee Grzegorz Krychowiak could be returning to England after it was reported that Fulham are interested in signing him.

French outlet Paris United claim that the Premier League new boys want to bring Krychowiak to Craven Cottage from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Poland international signed a five-year deal with the Parisians but was a bit part player in his first season and loaned to West Brom in his second.

However, he failed to live up to his reputation as Tony Pulis’ keynote signing and he made just one start in the final two months of the campaign.

It is said that Krychowiak hopes new PSG boss Thomas Tuchel will afford him another opportunity to make his mark in the French capital but the 28-year-old's representatives are already listening to offers.

He 28-year-old doesn't want to make a decision on his future until after the World Cup.

Krychowiak sent a tweet at the end of his Albion loan spell expressing his thanks and said Darren Moore deserved to be given the manager's job.

"It was my last game today I’d like to thank all supporters staff and players for this season even we failed to achieve the goal it was a pleasure and honor to play here," wrote Krychowiak.

"Darren Moore to keep the job because he deserves it.

"All the best and I hope you will come back to the Premier League next season because here is your place.

"Come on you baggies".