West Brom have inquired about signing striker Obafemi Martins on loan - but his current club Rubin Kazan are only interested in a permanent deal, Press Association Sport understands.
Rubin are looking to recoup around £3 million from off-loading former Newcastle player Martins rather than allowing him to move to the Hawthorns - or anywhere - on a temporary basis.
It is understood his wage demands of around £40,000 a week could also prove a stumbling block.
Albion had also asked about signing Martins on loan during the January 2011 transfer window but he opted instead to join Birmingham and scored the winning goal in their shock Carling Cup final triumph over Arsenal.
New Baggies boss Steve Clarke is keen to bolster his options as he prepares to meet the current squad for the first time when Albion report back for pre-season training on Sunday.
But one of the players released at the end of last season, Paul Scharner, believes his desire to play as a centre-back was a factor in him not being offered a new contract at the Hawthorns.
The Austrian international has operated chiefly in midfield for Albion.
Scharner said: "The rest of the world outside of England still regards me as a centre-half and it's where I've played the last two games for Austria.
"I want to play at centre-half, told West Brom of my intentions and that contributed to the club's decision (not to offer a new contract)."
Source: PA
