The future of Norwich City midfielder Youssef Safri was still unclear last night after further reports that West Bromwich Albion are pursuing the Moroccan international.

The future of Norwich City midfielder Youssef Safri was still unclear last night after further reports that West Bromwich Albion are pursuing the Moroccan international.

Safri was expected to be in the travelling party for the Canaries' first pre-season friendly at Exeter today, with manager Peter Grant insisting earlier this week that he had received no inquiries for the 30-year-old.

Albion boss Tony Mowbray was reported to be close to signing Portuguese midfielder Filipe Teixeira yesterday.

The Baggies and Academica de Coimbra were expected to agree a deal worth about £1m for the 26-year-old playmaker. Teixeira has agreed personal terms with Albion and is expected to sign a three-year deal, subject to a medical.

But the idea that the deal would end Mowbray's interest in Safri was dismissed by reporters in the Midlands, who said there was still "very much a firm interest" from Albion, who are currently on tour in Croatia.

The Birmingham Mail said Grant had "caused bemusement" when he claimed that there had been no interest in Safri and asserted: "There has been an inquiry from Albion, followed by regular dialogue between both clubs during the last two weeks."