West Bromwich Albion have reportedly stolen a march on Newcastle United in their pursuit of signing Manchester United youngster Wilfred Zaha on loan in January.
The former Crystal Palace starlet was handed his first Premier League appearance for the Red Devils in the 1-0 defeat to the Magpies on Saturday, replacing Nani in the 68th minute.
Nevertheless, the 21-year-old is still said to be keen on a temporary move away from Old Trafford in search of regular game time and, according to Goal.com, Baggies manager Steve Clarke is poised to beat Magpies boss Alan Pardew to the winger's signature.
On Friday, Zaha took to social networking website Twitter to refute speculation that his limited opportunities in United's first team stem from reports that he is involved in a relationship with manager David Moyes's daughter.
Saturday's loss to Newcastle was the player's second appearance of the season, having played in the club's 4-0 victory over Norwich City in the League Cup earlier this season.
Shane Callaghan
