West Bromwich Albion manager Bryan Robson last night turned down a transfer request from outof-favour striker Rob Earnshaw.

The record £3.5million signing's patience has, not surprisingly, snapped after just four Premier-ship starts this season, coming on top of last term's disappearance into the shadows when he started just three out of Albion's final 11 league games.

Yet Robson insists that Earnshaw still has a role to play at The Hawthorns and, with the African Nations Cup in mind next month when he loses both Kanu and Diomansy Kamara, he has no intention of offloading any of his six strikers.

"Earnie has handed in a transfer request but I've turned it down," said Robson.

"He is part of my plans, as all the strikers at the club will have an important part to play over the next two months.

"We've got the busy Christmas period up of four games in eight days, then the FA Cup, then the three weeks or so when Kanu and Kamara will be missing."

Instead, Earn-shaw is expected to fight with a rejuvenated Kevin Campbell and Geoff Horsfield for a place upfront alongside Nathan Ellington, now a first-choice selection.

But Robson has confirmed that Earnshaw's Albion and Wales teammate, Jason Koumas, is for sale, following reports linking him with a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Wolves are one of a number of promotion-chasing Championship clubs who have been mentioned in connection with Koumas, who has caught the eye playing on loan for former Wolves boss David Jones at Cardiff City this season. But, while Robson insists that Albion remain open to offers, he is not aware of any potential suitors having put in a bid.

"There has always been a price there to be paid and, if anyone wants to pay it, we'll take the money," he said. "But I'm not really sure if anyone has made an offer. You'd have to ask our chairman."

Wolves' response to their alleged interest in Koumas was brief from manager Glenn Hoddle.

"It's just speculation," he said.

Meanwhile, Robson has admitted that Zoltan Gera may have to settle for a place on the bench when he makes his return from two months out with a groin problem at Portsmouth tomorrow.

"He's in the squad but it's maybe too early to start him," he said. "It's more important to have Zoltan 100 per cent fit for the Christmas period."