Timm Klose has confirmed Norwich City rejected a summer move from Premier League West Brom.

The influential centre-back attracted serious interest from the Baggies following the Canaries' relegation, but City's top brass made it clear Klose is a key part of the Championship fightback.

The 28-year-old admitted recently he feared for his international place if he stayed at Norwich, but the defender is in the Switzerland squad for Friday's World Cup qualifier against Hungary.

'There were offers, and we looked at the one we received from West Bromwich, but Norwich turned down the offer,' he told Swiss newspaper, Neue Zurcher Zeitung. 'I weighed up my options. I did not want to lose my place in the national team without a fight, but it was also clear that it will be difficult to show what I could do at another club.

'The overall package fits. I can live out my passion here. I play football out of passion. I don't primarily earn my living for the family because my background forces me to do so. I am on the pitch mainly for the emotions.'

Klose underlined his value to the Canaries' with a starring return in last weekend's 2-1 league win at Wolves.

'We had a good start to the season, we want to win every game and we are doing very well at the moment,' he said. 'We have to keep this running going as long as we can. The team spirit is the most important thing.

'You can see we have a lot of quality. Most of the lads who played in the Premier League last season have stayed here. If you have no spirit, you can't go out and fight so that is crucial.

'Sure, you won't find a Kevin De Bruyne in this league, but compared to the Premier League it is somewhat tougher and wilder. Five defend without compromise, and five attack unconditionally.'