Robbo rejects Gera request

West Bromwich Albion have rejected a transfer request from midfielder Zoltan Gera.

The Baggies confirmed on Friday that the midfielder had tabled the request via his agent, but that the club had immediately turned Gera down.

After arriving at The Hawthorns in July 2004, Gera quickly established himself as one of the club's key players, but suffered extensively from injury during their relegation from The Premiership last season.

With Bryan Robson's side facing up to the realities of Championship football a number of top-flight sides have been circling, with Wigan making a £10 million joint bid for Gera, Curtis Davies and Nathan Elllington.

West Brom rejected the approach, underlining their determination to keep hold of their best players in a bid to bounce straight back to The Premiership this season, but now Gera has made clear his desire to quit the Midlands side.

"Albion have rejected out of hand a transfer request from Zoltan Gera," read a statement on the club's official website.

"This is in keeping with The Baggies' strategy not to sell any of the key members of their first-team squad.

"Gera's request arrived at the club via the player's agent."

Everton, Charlton, and Aston Villa have all been linked with a move for the Hungarian star with memories of his impressive debut season in English football still fresh in the memory.

Gera's desire to quit is a huge blow for The Baggies, who have also seen sustained interested in highly rated stopper Davies and striker Ellington.