Robson confident over Kieran

Bryan Robson will know by the end of this week whether midfielder Kieran Richardson will be returning to West Brom on loan for next season.

The Manchester United midfielder spent a successful spell at The Hawthorns during the second half of last season, when he played a major part in the club staying in the Premiership.

The youngster then joined up with the England squad for the tour of the United States and made a dream debut with two goals against the host nation in Chicago.

Now Richardson will hold talks with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson within the next few days before any decision is made about his future.

Robson said: "There will be a few people after Kieran after the way he performed for us last season and then what he did for England.

"But his future will not be resolved until Sir Alex Ferguson has had a word with Kieran and his dad.

"I know that meeting is going to happen some time this week but no one knows the outcome.

"What I am confident about is if Kieran is going to go out on loan, he'll be at West Brom next season."

The Albion manager is also set to sign Chris Kirkland on loan from Liverpool for the 2005-06 season if he proves his fitness in the next fortnight after back problems.

Robson said: "We are hopeful things will go through with Kirkland, Carter and Watson and I'm still looking to strengthen.

"Kirkland has made the goalkeeping situation look good and if the Watson deal comes off the defence looks solid. The midfield also looks really solid as long as Richardson can be part of that as well."

Robson confirmed he had also made an enquiry to Stockport about 20-year-old keeper James Spencer.

Robson said: "He is one for the future. It doesn't put the future of Russell Hoult or Tomasz Kuszczak in jeopardy."

Robson added: "The only other place where I'm looking to add to the squad at the moment is centre forward but it is difficult.

"Everton are in the Champions League and looking all over the place for a striker. That's why you have to be careful about the number of players you let go because you have to replace them."