West Bromwich Albion are expected to complete the transfer of Roman Bednar next week by exercising their option to sign the on-loan Hearts striker.
Bednar's season-long loan at The Hawthorns is nearing its end and Albion inserted a clause in the initial agreement guaranteeing them first option on the player up until May 31. After that date, the 25-year-old would be available to the highest bidder.
It is thought the Premier League newcomers would have to pay in the region of £2.5million to sign Bednar, who scored 17 goals in all competitions for the Baggies last season. However, the Czech is in talks with club officials as he tries to secure an improved deal following their promotion to the top flight.
Viktor Kolar, of the Prague-based management company SportInvest, which represents Bednar, told a Scottish newspaper: "The permanent transfer has not happened yet but we expect Albion to be in touch with Hearts soon.
"A price was agreed last summer between the clubs so now it is just a case of Albion formally taking up that option, which I am sure they will do before the date that was in the contract.
"There is a contract that was agreed last summer and is still in place, but we are hoping we can agree something new.
"Roman was told that if he did well there was a chance of an improved offer so, coming off the back of the season he has had, that is what we are hoping for.
"There is a new offer on the table from Albion that Roman is not entirely happy with but discussions are still taking place and hopefully something can be sorted out."
