Beckett in : Roberts Out ?

Roberts: Baggies Target

Megson is keen to take the Welsh international striker to the Hawthorns when the transfer window opens in January.

The Baggies boss has already inquired twice about the striker this season and it is believed that Jewell is ready to do a deal.

The 24 year old is out of contract at the end of the season and for some reason there has been no sign of him being offered a new deal. Jewell has turned his intentions to Stockport forward Luke Beckett instead.

As a result the Baggies move for Roberts could have come at a good time for PJ with the cash for Roberts being used to fund a raid for Beckett.

Roberts cost the Latics £450,000 in February 2000 and many have seen him as a waste of money rather than a good signing until recently. A bid from West Brom would be valued at around the same price mark as the Latics paid for Roberts.

Beckett: Has impressed PJ

Roberts has already said that he would like his next contract to be a lengthy one as he is looking to settle down and the Latics have shown in the past that if a big club comes knocking at the right price, they will not stand in the way.

Roy Carroll left for the Manchester United subs bench just last year.

Top flight football would almost certainly improve his chances of more regular international football with 'Bomber' having just two caps to his name so far.

Waelsh boss Mark Hughes has nothing but praise for the hard-working frontman, he said:" Playing in the second division leaves a player at a disadvantage when it comes to international selection.

"But Neil has proved he can make the step up."

Beckett would have to be coming the other way though. The Stockport striker has already scored 19 goals this season including a goal at the JJB.

Only time will tell...