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Coventry City have told West Bromwich Albion that they can buy back Lee Hughes.
Chairman Mike McGinnity admits that the sale of the club's star striker, along with Magnus Hedman and the imminent departure of David Thompson will provide the £9 million the cash-strapped Sky Blues have promised to pay back to the bank by Christmas.
But the City chief insists that if the Baggies want the former Hawthorns' hero, they will have to match the £5 million they sold him for just 12 months ago.
"We are quite prepared to sell Lee Hughes and if Brendan Batson wants to come over to Highfield Road with his cheque book we will be willing to talk business," said McGinnity.
"He's only been here a year and we would want to get our money back on him - not a penny more and not a penny less.
"I read last week that Gary Megson regrets selling him, which suggests that he wants him back. What I am saying now is that he is available but only at the right price."
And the chairman revealed that he expects £3 million rated Thompson to complete his move back to the Premiership by the weekend. "We have had inquiries from four or five clubs for David and we expect things to start moving in the next few days," he said. Blackburn are favourites to sign City's player of the year.
Meanwhile, Coventry's other big saleable asset Magnus Hedman was back at the club today where he reported for pre-season training.
The goalkeeper, who has seen prospective moves to Spanish clubs Espanyol and Alaves break down due to "derisory" offers, flew back in to the country from his native Sweden yesterday.
It is no secret that a move would suit both the player and the club but the 29-year-old, who was given extra time off after taking part in the World Cup, will train normally with Gary McAllister's squad until a suitable club comes in for him.
* FORMER City defender Marcus Hall is hoping to secure a permanent move to The Hawthorns this week. The Coventry-born fullback is currently on trial at West Bromwich Albion where he is going all out to impress manager Gary Megson and secure a move back to the Premiership with the newly promoted Baggies.
"I still feel I have a lot to offer but accept that I have to prove myself," said the 26-year-old who is available on a free transfer.
"Everything was going well for me up until I ruptured my knee ligaments in 1998 and it effectively took two years out of my career, but I am getting back into the swing of things now.
"I have other options but a move to West Brom would be ideal. They are in the Premiership which is where I want to be and I am backing my talent to perform there. I have got confidence in my ability but nothing has been decided yet.
"Hopefully I will sit down with Gary Megson and talk about it at the end of the week."
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