Transfer News

Nouble Off whilst Koren and Barnes Speak out.

Roman Bednar is fighting hard to get fit in time for the visit of Blackpool to the Hawthorns, whilst Jerome Thomas is a major doubt with a hamstring injury suffered during the Owls game midweek.

Bednar has been missing from the Baggies team for 3 games with to a groin injury but could just make it to face Ian Holloway’s men if he comes through training tomorrow.

“We’ll have to wait until tomorrow to see if Roman is okay,” said Di Matteo.

“If he is able to train with the team then we will include him for selection on Saturday.

“If he is not able to train then he will be out of the picture.

“Jerome Thomas is very doubtful for Saturday.

“I found out after the game he had a little problem.

“It’s not a bad injury, it’s a tight hamstring and we’ll see how it improves.”

Simon Cox is a better prognosis, he is now fit and available to play should he be called upon.

Frank Nouble has returned to West Ham after the Albion decided not to extend his loan any longer.

Giles Barnes spoke today of how he has called on his team mates to reproduce the battling sprit from the Owls victory and coast to promotion with ease.

“Everyone who comes to us has to be scrappy because they won’t beat us in a football game of out-passing us,” said Barnes.

“After about 60 to 70 minutes you know things can happen so it’s a case of riding the storm.

“I don’t think we should look at other teams, just keep getting win, win, win and not worry about other teams.

“Even when we go away people try to stop us playing football and get in our faces.

“But we proved on Tuesday we can get into people’s faces and battle.

“It’s was a massive win.

“It was massive for the whole club not just the head coach.

“If we can lock down that automatic spot then we’ll be happy.

“We have to get our professional head back on and be ready for Saturday.”

Robert Koren meanwhile issued a similiar statement when professing how he does not want to end up in the lottery of the play off’s.

Koren who scored a tremendous goal midweek to gain all 3 points for the Albion was at the club when they suffered defeat at the hands of Derby in the play off final at Wembley, he has no desire to suffer the stress or upset of that again.

“I was involved in the play-offs when I arrived at the club and my experience is not nice,” said Koren.

“I prefer the top two so hopefully we will get good results at the end of the season and stay out of the play-offs.

“The play-offs are very difficult and there is a lot of pressure on those games.

“I think we have enough quality to show in the last 11 games that we are good enough.

“We have done a great job so far and we need to stick together.

“We have our fans behind us and they are doing a great job, and on the field we have to play our part.

“Everybody needs to play a part and if we believe it as one, we can do it.”

Koren would like nothing better than to be travelling to the World Cup as a premiership player and thinks the return of long term injured players will bolster the Albion and help secure automatic promotion.

“That is one of the biggest things,” Koren added.

“We have a big squad now with good players and it’s good to see all of the injured players coming back.

“They are showing the right spirit and from the first one to the last one we need to look like a team together.

“From the first to the last everybody has to stick together as a team.

“It’s not about personal things, it doesn’t matter who is playing, we need to stick together, get the right results and reach first or second place at the end of the season.”

Albion Sign Blackburn Midfielder Steven Reid

West Brom today completed the loan signing of Blackburn midfielder Steven Reid on an initial month’s loan.

An Ireland international, he plays at either Right Back, right midfield or central midfield and arrives just in time to be able to play in the QPR game tomorrow.

Reid, 29 on Wednesday, will also be available for Albion’s following seven games against Sheffield Wednesday, Blackpool, Swansea, Preston, Coventry, Reading and Leicester.

Albion Boss Roberto Di Matteo said: “Steven is an exciting player and I’m delighted to welcome him to the club.

“We’ve been looking to strengthen our squad for the final push and Steven certainly fits the bill.

“He’s a versatile player with loads of experience.

“We’ve had some great references about Steven so hopefully he’ll perform at the level we expect him to.”

Reid has been at Ewood Park for 7 years, at 6ft 1in Reid has underlined his value by being a regular player all this time and operated in various positions

He won Blackburn’s goal-of-the-season award in 2005/06 thanks to his thunderbolt at Wigan.

Watson Arrives For The Season

Wigan midfielder Ben Watson has now arrived at the Hawthorns for the rest of the season in what could be the first of a few season long loans to come.

Watson will be unable to play in the Reading FA Cup replay as like Nouble he is cup tied, however, will be available for the visit of Derby on Saturday.

Baggies head coach Roberto Di Matteo said: “Having lost Gonzalo Jara for the remainder of the season to injury, we have been looking to strengthen the central midfield area and we are very pleased that he has joined us.

“Ben is very good technically and is a competitive player who knows the Championship very well. He has played many times at this level and knows what is required, which should help him to hit the ground running.”

Wigan have added a clause to the loan, allowing them to recall at 24 hours notice any time after Albion play Coventry on the 24th of March.

Watson comes to the Albion after spending a good while on loan at QPR, making 16 appearances and scoring twice.

Starting his career at Crystal Palace, he debuted at the age of 17 and made 169 appearances for the South London club, scoring 18 times.

Wigan battled for the young players signature, beating Middlesbrough to land him, he cost £2 million but has only made 7 appearances.

Watson has played just 33 minutes for the Latics since ereturning from QPR in December and is raring to go.

He said: “I was called back from my loan and told I would get a chance to play at Wigan, but I’ve only played half an hour in six weeks so it has been frustrating.

“That’s not what I want. I am at an age where I need to be playing first-team football and when the chance came to come to Albion I didn’t need any persuading at all.

“It’s frustrating that I can’t play in the game tonight against Reading, but I’m cup-tied, so I will raring to go against Derby if I get a chance on Saturday.”

Dorrans Centre Of Transfer Rumours

The Sunday Mirror are claiming that Graham Dorrans will be leaving the Hawthorns this summer. Both North East teams Newcastle United and Sunderland are supposedly lining up summer offers for the young Albion Star.

They are not the only teams in the running either if the rumour mill is to be believed. Manchester City scouts were spotted at the Hawthorns last home game against Scunthorpe and seemingly keeping tabs too. Another team that will no doubt renew their interest is ex Albion chief, Tony Mowbrays Celtic, who already made enquiries in the summer. Mowbray was the architect of Dorrans move to the Hawthorns in the beginning. This saw the Albion adding an extra 12 months to the players contract which was already for 4 years with a years option, showing how keen the club are to hold on to one of their most talented players.

It is also suggested that local rivals Villa and Birmingham are also looking to try their luck at recruiting the player, who cost as little as £100,000.

The very fact that the Albion extended the contract added to the fact that the Premiership looms on the horizon would lend the most intelligent to believe that the Albion will, be unwilling to let the player go without a struggle. Although as is the norm for the Hawthorns, money talks and the right offer could trigger a departure.

Do Newcastle Want Koumas Just To Spite The Baggies?

Jason Koumas is apparently subject of a battle between at least Albion and Newcastle for his loan services. Albion have been working very hard to bring in some loan cover and it has been heavily catalogued that Jason Koumas was top of the list. Now it seems that just as the day arrives that would be perfect for season end loans and the Albion are likely to try to finalise a deal, Newcastle suddenly appear trying to gazump them.

Could they simply be after Koumas to save him from going to the Albion? Do they really need his services? With Koumas in the ranks, the Albion could easily expect to finish the run in on great form, are Newcastle scared that this would be enough to land Albion the title?

The Baggies seem to have struggled up to now to get anywhere with premiership clubs in the race to bolster an injury riddled team. It is looking more and more unlikely that the Albion will secure any loan player services in time for the trip to Ashton Gate.

Koumas is certainly available, Latics boss Roberto Martinez has confirmed that they will listen to any offers.

Victor Moses was the last player that Newcastle and Albion fought to sign, they both lost out the, who will win this time? Does Koumas really want to make the move to either anyway? There have been no comments from him on either team, or even a loan move in general.

Defence is another section of the pitch that Albion are struggling in, perhaps the struggle for loan signings may head this direction now too. Giles Barnes is getting closer to full fitness and Jerome Thomas has just 2 games of suspension left, so midfield will hopefully be the least weaker position within a week.

In the opposite direction, Marcus Haber has gone out on loan to League One Exeter for an initial month’s loan.

The 21 yr old striker who signed from Vancouver Whitecaps last month, will most probably make his debut in the Grecians’ home game against Stockport on Saturday.

Di Matteos take on Koren and Koumas …

Speaking to Sky Sports today Roberto Di Matteo stated that a line had been drawn under the Robert Koren hand shaking episode and that it was unfortunate that the agent chose to get involved.

When asked about the point made by the agent that Koren had been played out of position for 80% of the season he said:

“Perhaps the agent should become the manager here as he obviously knows more than most managers” with a wry smile on his face.

He was then asked by the Sky News reporter if Jason Koumas was on his way to the club. With a child like expression on his face, the sort that reveals he is not quite telling the truth he said:

“He is a good player”

This seems to be a sure fire pointer that Jason Koumas will surely be strutting his stuff back at the Hawthorns very soon.

Today’s transfer news – Koumas – Woods – Dorrans

Manchester City are appearing to be tracking Graham Dorrans and manager Roberto Mancini, it’s suggested is planning a £6million raid on the Hawthorns take the Albion midfielder to Eastland’s according to local and national media reports. The fact that the Albion added an extra year to an already valid 4 year contract recently seems to point to the fact that either he is not for sale or an over priced offer is all that will be accepted.

The Baggies are also reportedly planning an emergency loan move for Wigan midfielder and ex Albion favourite Jason Koumas. The Welshman is one of several apparently being tracked by the club as they are looking to bring in extra loan cover because it is available and the final run in may see many extra games.

Albion have not made a formal offer to Wigan for the player who made over 140 appearances for the Baggies during his five years at the Hawthorns after joining from Tranmere.

The 30 year old was a great favourite following his £2.2million move from Tranmere in 2002, although towards the end seemed rather distracted and not so bothered.

He left for Wigan in a £5.3 million transfer following the club’s failure to win promotion at Wembley after being defeated by Derby in the play off final. This was the final straw for the player who really wanted premiership football, so although probably welcomed back, he may not be received in the same way as he was the first time around, with many fans possibly not prepared to forgive and forget.

Any loan signings are likely to be delayed until the middle of next week, because any loan deals at this stage of the season can only be for for a maximum of 93 days. Therefore next Thursday is the first day Albion could bring in a player and ensure they are available for the play-off final on May 22, if that is how the Albion’s season is destined to finish.

Young Albion striker Chris Wood is on the radar for Bristol Rovers who are looking to secure their front line and as there is now plenty of cover here at the Albion, he could well go out to gain much needed experience.

West Ham striker Frank Nouble to sign tomorrow

News from the Hawthorns seems to confirm that Albion will be signing the powerful West Ham striker Frank Nouble on loan tomorrow once the window is open for loans.

Although signing in time for tomorrows visit of the Iron, he will unlikely make the team sheet, however, may be a possibility for the bench.

Nouble’s initial month long stay at the Albion will see him available for the matches against Cardiff, Bristol City, Derby, QPR and Sheffield Wednesday.

At 6ft 3in the player would be a great asset for the trip to Reading in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, however, as he is cup tied will be unavailable for the game.

This is certainly making full use of the emergency transfer window, as Roberto Di Matteo has lost Ishmael Miller to an ankle injury for at least two weeks along with Jerome Thomas who is banned for 4 games.

West Ham signed Nouble from Chelsea in the close season on a 5 year contract.

He made his debut versus Wolves when the Hammers won by 2 goals to nil in the opening game so should go down quite well at the Hawthorns just for this reason. He has made 8 more first team appearances since.

Nouble is not shy of goals, he has scored 2 goals 10 times whilst playing for Chelsea reserves.

Giles Barnes move to Hawthorns secured

Albion have signed former Derby winger Giles Barnes on an eighteen month contract, the Baggies have given the the youngster of just 22 years a lifeline in his battle to rebuild his career.

Barnes has been at the Hawthorns training with Roberto Di Matteo’s side for many weeks and the Baggies have given the former England youth international the chance he has been after.

As usual with all Albion contracts there is an option to extend it for a year and it is thought to be based more on games and results than just a basic salary, this being down to the youngsters long spell of injury.

The talented youngster is unlikely to regain full fitness before the end of the season, however, the Albion are happy to wait and there is an outside chance he may make the final few games.

Awkwardly enough the youngster bad spell of injury came from a broken foot sustained during the Derby play-off final victory over Albion in 2007.

knee ligament damage and a ruptured Achilles tendon since that time resulted in him being released from his contract at Pride Park just before the festive season.

Whilst with the Baggies he must have shown enough promise to convince The Hawthorns medical staff he can regain full fitness.

Young Giles Barnes was allowed to sign after the transfer deadline as he was a free agent and under the rules of the transfer embargo in just the same way as loans are still allowed too. Di Matteo has confirmed his plans to use the emergency loan market to bolster his squad for the remainder of the season after the Baggies were unable to add to the transfer window signings of Gabriel Tamas and Andy Slory.

“We made an effort for Victor Moses but we weren’t lucky there,” said the Italian. “A Premier League team came in and we couldn’t compete with that. We got Andy Slory and we were looking to get one or two more players in but it’s difficult in the loan market. Everybody is there but you have to identify the right player who will give our squad a boost. Strengthening our squad is not easy. The emergency loan market opens on February 9 so we will still be looking to make one or two additions to our squad.”

Filipe Teixeira loaned out to Barnsley

Barnsley have completed a loan swoop for West Brom midfielder Filipe Teixeira with minutes to go before the transfer window closed.

The 29-year-old will initially join the Tykes on a month-long deal, but could make a permanent move.

The former Portugal U21 international is set to be out of contract at The Hawthorns in the summer and Barnsley boss Mark Robins is keen to run the rule over the talented playmaker. It is unusual for the Albion to let a players contract run down, recent years have seen departures rather than attempts to hold out to the very end.

“Filipe is technically a top, top player,” Robins told his club’s official website.

“He is a playmaker who was instrumental in helping West Brom win promotion a couple of seasons ago.

“He will come here initially for a month, but his contract is up at the end of the season and will give both parties the chance to have a much closer look at each other.

“Filipe needs to play games and if we can get him playing to the top of his ability then he will be a very, very good addition to our squad and will benefit us greatly.”

Martis exits Hawthorns on deadline day

Doncaster Rovers have signed West Bromwich Albion defender Shelton Martis for an undisclosed fee at the end of the transfer window.

Martis has returned to the Keepmoat Stadium on a permanent basis after impressing during a brief spell on loan at Rovers in the first half of last season. He scored once in five appearances for the rovers side last season and has now signed a 3 1/2 year contract to return to Doncaster.

The 27-year-old joined West Brom from Hibernian in 2007, making just 25 appearances during his time at The Hawthorns.

Previously at Darlington, the centre-half started this season as a regular in the Albion team, but he has appeared just twice as a late substitute in the Championship since early October.

West Brom land Feyenoord winger Andwele Slory

West Brom have landed Feyenoord winger Andwele Slory for an undisclosed fee on transfer deadline day.

Albion have been looking to sign the odd player in the January transfer window and Roberto Di Matteo has managed to get the Holland international in with hours to spare.

“Everyone knows we’ve been looking to bring in an offensive midfielder with pace and we’re delighted to have signed Andy,” the Italian told the official site.

“He can play wide or through the middle behind the striker and he’ll be a good addition to the squad.”

Slory has penned a five-month contract with the option of another year after completing a medical at the Hawthorns on Monday.

The 27-year-old, was also linked with a move to Blackburn but chose the Albion in the end and could make his Baggies debut at Blackpool on Wednesday so long as international clearance is secured.

“I am very excited to begin this new adventure,” the player told Feyenoord’s official website. “I’ve always dreamed of a foreign adventure.”

Di Matteo dismisses Cech rumours

According to the official club site, Roberto Di Matteo has dismissed claims that Marek Cech is on his way out of the Hawthorns. He has also stressed that he will be reporting Cech’s French agent to UEFA as what he has done is obviously wrong and against the rules.

Cech who played at St James Park on Monday night has also got 14 Championship games under his belt this season and seems very much part of Di Matteo’s plans.

The rumour circulated by the French agent was that the Slovakian international was set to join French top-flight outfit Rennes. Albion and Di Matteo claim this is complete fabrication and that they have had no contact with Rennes whatsoever.

Also today, Di Matteo is reportedly still looking to bolster the squad sooner rather than later. The fact that International loans are not allowed after the end of the January transfer window seems to suggest that incoming loans will be international rather than domestic loans, which are available all season. It is unlikely that any money will be spent now, so loans are very much on the agenda.

Barnett move to be made permanent?

The Express and Star are today reporting the Albion Defender Leon Barnett is likely to make his loan move to Coventry City permanent.

They report today that “Championship club Coventry are scrabbling around in a bid to raise the funds to sign on-loan Albion defender Leon Barnett permanently”.

Leon Barnett joined the Baggies from Luton for an initial £2.5million fee in July 2007.

At 6ft 2in, he is not the biggest centre-half at the Hawthorns, however, he signed a four-year contract, plus a year’s option in the club’s favour in 2007.

After helping the Baggies win promotion to the Premier League in 2008 his price raised by a further £250,000 and a further clause could see a further £250,000 being owed for him depending on appearances. A good reason to let him go sooner rather than later maybe?

After slipping down the Hawthorns pecking order he joined Coventry City on loan until January on November 4, 2009.

Giles Barnes is training with Albion

Ex Derby midfielder Giles Barnes, a free agent, is currently training with the Albion with a view to a permanent move in to the Hawthorns.

Barnes quality skill and ability is most certainly not in question by Di Matteo, however over two and a half years of injuries are. If the players physical fitness can be seen as promising and it is felt that he is not a player who will for always have injury issues, the Albion boss will no doubt be happy to sign him.

A great player he maybe, however, if he is just going to continually fall down with injuries then he is of no real use to any team looking to settle in the premiership.

Massive injury boosts at the Hawthorns and transfer rumours

Not only are Youssouf Mulumbu, Jerome Thomas and Luke Moore all looking likely to be fit to start in the  Sky televised Rangers clash at The Hawthorns on Monday after their individual struggles struggles with injuries, however, James Morrison may also be back in training as early as next week too!.

With Thomas and Moore back in training and raring to go, Mulumbu is also showing no signs of any serious injury after his recent early bath in the Cardiff defeat.  Morrisons scarring is healing very well and he should be able to start light training any day soon.

The Rangers game will also see a return for Dean Kiely, who will be looking to make his claim for the number one shirt permanent whilst Scott Carson sits out due to his 3 match ban. Carson is expected to be fined by the club after his out of character head butt on Chopra, the club feel that his sending off and the very nature is deserving of a club fine.

Di Matteo has actually hinted that should Kiely perform well that there is no reason why he cannot keep the shot stoppers jersey indefinitely. This episode will see a young keeper on the bench in the form of youth keeper Ryan Alsopp.

In other news today, reports are rife that Albion are likely to make a big money offer for out of favour Stoke striker James Beattie.

Koren throws Albion future in doubt

The Express and Star story regarding Korens future seems to be spot in and well founded, so here we offer you a glimpse of what they said.

Original Article

Albion midfielder Robert Koren has thrown his future at the club into doubt by claiming to have asked the Baggies about the chance of a move in January.

The Slovenia captain has revealed in an interview in his homeland that he might have to leave the Hawthorns to get regular football in his preferred central midfield role.

Koren, who was among the stars of the club’s Championship triumph two years ago, has fallen down the pecking order this season with Youssouf Mulumbu, Graham Dorrans and even Gonzalo Jara selected ahead of him.

The 29-year-old has started just one Championship game in a central position this season, scoring in the home win against Ipswich.

Now, in an interview ahead of Slovenia’s crucial World Cup qualifying play-off against Russia, Koren has called his future into question but denied any rift with head coach Roberto Di Matteo.

The player said: ”I never got a chance in the centre, but always in a wing position. This was from the outset of the season after the arrival of new coach. Even in friendly matches, I never got the opportunity in the middle.”

Koren also admitted his agent has contacted Albion officials to ask about the possibility of a January departure.

The player added he would be willing to move abroad to get regular action, although he would favour staying in England, after spending three years with the Baggies.

Such comments are likely to grab the attention of Premier League clubs, after Koren was linked during the summer with a move back to the top flight.

The former Lillestrom midfielder played down talk of a summer exit and reaffirmed his commitment to the Baggies in an interview with the Express & Star during the club’s pre-season tour of Slovenia.

But a lack of first-team action in the first three months of the season has left the midfielder frustrated, with the emergence of Dorrans as a key figure further adding to his problems.

Barnett sent to coventry

Leon Barnett has today joined Coca-Cola Championship local rivals Coventry City.

He has moved on an emergency loan deal that expires on Jan 31st next year. The deal includes a recall clause after the first 28 days for the player who celebrates his 24th birthday later this month. Having played just 2 games in the Championship as a sub this season, Barnett seems to be off Di Matteos radar at least for the near future.

Was his goal in the recent reserves 10 nil drubbing of Burton Albion the last for the Baggies? Time will tell, however, he can be classed as too old for being a loanee sent out to gain experience so may well be heading out of the Hawthorns permanently.

Todays transfer rumours.

With the Sol Campbell move looking more and more unlikely other rumours now include a Bobby Zamora deal seeing him move to the Hawthorns in the January window.

News is also circulating that Di Matteo has been looking at Romania international defender Gabriel Tamas.

De Matteo was seen  in the crowd in Romania as he scored for Dinamo Bucharest in their recent 1-1 draw with Pandurii Târgu Jiu. As usual the Albion deny all transfer speculation, however, it is a well know fact that Albion scouts have been keeping a close eye over recent months.

With Meite ecpected to be missing for long spells from January due to Africa cup commitments, it appears that Albion are desperate to bolster their defence as soon as possible.

The Sol Campbell saga builds up steam.

The rumours circulating around the football world are firstly that Sol Campbell is possibly pricing himself out of the Albions budget.

The star is reportedly trying to acquire wages befitting of his history rather than his current situation, making him a rather expensive acquisition that Jeremy Peace is unlikely to sanction.

It is also running around the rumour mill that Campbell is more interested in using the Albion as a stepping stone back to the premiership slightly different to how the Albion would like. Campbell is more than likely trying to get a deal with the Albion until January, when he will be hoping to have proved that he will be a worthwhile signing for a premiership team in the January window.

Albion should not be taking Campbell on a short term deal and should only take him with a minimum of a 12 month contract and an option to renew should his fitness still be there.

Sol Campbell on his way to the Hawthorns

According to reports in the media we can expect to see the maestro that is Sol Campbell, strutting his stuff at the Hawthorns very soon! WBA have confirmed that they are in talks with Campbell and that a pay as you play deal is on the cards.

The former England star met with the Baggies yesterday and is expected to take a medical ahead of signing a long-term contract with the hope of a return to the Premier League next season. Campbell is in talks with the FA with regards to being treated as a special case and have his free agent status returned after deciding that he was not happy starting from the bottom again with Notts County. If this happens he will available to sign for who ever he likes as a free agent at any point before the January transfer window.

Normally this scenario would not be allowed, however, with false promises and other issues, he has the weight of the PFA behind him. This should make a difference and the FA are likely to allow his claims, although, whether FIFA also agree is a different matter.

The 73-times capped ex England international who has played for both Arsenal and Tottenham as a centre half will be a magical addition to the Hawthorns squad and would likely get a place from the off.

Cummings stay cut short

Shaun Cummings’ loan spell at Albion ended after the Chelsea defender joined Reading on a permanent basis. Signed in a rush last month as cover for Zuiverloon who suffered a hamstring, Cummings is maybe not needed anymore anyway with Zuiverloon returning to fitness and the arrival of Jara whom can also cover the position.

Cummings has made four appearances, helping to claim seven points from a possible nine in the Coca-Cola Championship and beat Rotherham in the Carling Cup second round.

End of Spanish transfer window sees the departure of Borja Valero.

Borja Valero has returned to his former club Real Mallorca on a season’s loan, with the La Liga side having an option to buy the 24 yr old central midfielder on a permanent basis.

Valero who was Albion’s record signing, arriving from Mallorca in a £4.7million deal last August, made 34 appearances in all competitions last term under former manager Tony Mowbray but appeared not to fit in to Di Matteos plans. He has only made 1 cameo appearance this season, so is unlikely to be missed too much.

Craig Beattie moves on

Beattie has sealed a £800,000 move to fellow Championship team Swansea after the clubs and player agreed terms.

Youssouf Mulumbu, on the other hand has extended his contract for a further 2 years. This can be seen as reward for being possibly the most consistent player so far this season. The DR Congo international who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in January has cemented his name with the Hawthorns faithful after some excellent performances and a goal.

Albion sign Chile International Gonzalo Jara

Albion have opened the cheque book yet again to the value of £1.4M to snap up versatile Chilean Gonzalo Jara. The ex Colo Colo defender, has signed a 3 year deal with the club keeping an option of a further year.

Di Matteo was quoted as saying “Gonzalo is an exciting, quick, technical and aggressive player,”  this will be welcome news from the Albion faithful.

The club scouting system has tracked Jara for 14 months and Di Matteo seemed happy to take him on board. At 5’ 10” he is not the tallest player on the books, however, comes with a good record. Jara, who has captained his country, has played at both full back and centre back, he has helped Chile move within easy reach of qualification for next year’s World Cup. Jara, who can also play as a holding midfielder, has scored on numerous occasions for both club and country.

Greening leaves, Carson gets armband.

Jonathan Greening has signed for Fulham as expected leaving Di Matteo the chance to pick his own club captain. Robbie has chosen young keeper Scott Carson as captain with Jonas Olsson taking the vice captains role.

Greening Joins Fulham on a year long loan with a view to a permanent deal, the £1.25 million that Albion paid Middleborough for him will be recovered in what is expected to be a £2m plus deal. A great servant to the club for some 5 years, Greening was part of the “Great Escape” squad and also has a Championship medal to boot.

Albion sign Jerome Thomas.

Albion’s 5^th summer signing comes in the form of 26 year old free agent Jerome Thomas. The pacey player made his name with a 3 year premiership spell at Charlton before returning to the premiership last season when Harry Redknapp took him to Pompey.

Released by Pompey in June after an early season back injury ruled him out for the rest of the season, Thomas became a free agent who had until now been overlooked. He started his career before joining Arsenal at 18, where he won an FA Youth cup medal. He also played for England at under 19, 20 and 21 levels, with 2 caps for the latter. The right footed Left winger has scored a total of 10 career goals.

Albion sign Leicester starlet Mattock

Albion have added to their defensive strength by Signing highly rated left back Joe Mattock. The 19 year old has signed a 3 year deal with an option on an extra year from Midlands rivals Leicester City.

Mattock has 5 under 21 caps with England and can also play on the left in midfield if required.

Labadie rejoins Shrews

JOSS Labadie has rejoined League Two Shrewsbury on loan until January 2010.

Although West Brom are keeping an option to recall the 18-year-old midfielder after the first 28 days of his Prostar Stadium spell, they are unlikely to be using the option. Joss signed a new 1 year contract, with a further 1 year option at the clubs discretion and will be looking for a more successful season after last terms early finish. A metatarsal injury ended his loan spell with the Shrews after just 1 game and the Croydon reared youngster will be hoping for much better season in 2009/10.

Another youngster, David Worrall is heading back to his footballing roots by rejoining his first club, Bury. Worrall will go on loan with Bury to gain more first team experience. At19, the midfielder has not shown enough about himself to become a regular at the Hawthorns, so back to Gigg Lane he heads for at least a month and possibly the season.

Albion signed Worrall from Bury for an initial £50,000 fee in March 07. He had loan spells at both Accrington Stanley and Shrewsbury last season, but the Albion, however, will not allow him to play for Bury in next weeks Carling Cup.

Further Albion signings imminent?

ROBERTO Di Matteo welcomed another, his third fresh face, to The Hawthorns on Friday night after the Baggies signed the fast Rotherham wideman Reuben Reid.

Di Matteo has not put on record the fact that further new arrivals, before Saturday’s Coca-Cola Championship curtain-raiser at home to Newcastle (ko 3pm) will not be coming in. He has, however, hinted that further new faces may be coming inwards before the big KO. It is thought that there are plenty of on going discussions to bring in cover for positions that Robbie feels are weakly represented in the squad. As usual, lips are tightly sealed at the Hawthorns about any transfer targets and what moves are being made, this is typical of how the club like to conduct business.

Now that pre season friendly’s are over it is likely that any new faces will not be getting a place on the team sheet for the opener, however, they will need to be proving themselves in training.

DO-HEON Kim returns to Korea

Making on 26 first team appearances for the Albion since joining on a loan deal in December 2007, Kim Do-Heon has struggled to break in to the team and finally returned to his home country of Korea. Having cost West Brom half a million when his loan deal went permanent the following summer after a promotion clinching goal at QPR, Do-Heon has been a net loss of some £140,000 for the Albion.

Suwon Bluewings have snapped him up for a conservative £360,000 figure, giving him a return to the K-League club.

The 27-year-old midfielder arrived at The Hawthorns with an excellent pedigree when signed from Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma but was used little too allow him to adjust to the Coca Cola Championship.

After sustaining a medial knee ligament injury at Middlesbrough in September 2008 he made even less appearances with his last of the total 26 coming as sub in the final game of last season at Blackburn.

Cech Staying at the Hawthorns

Marek Cech looks to be staying at the Hawthorns despite the player’s agent claiming Dutch side FC Twente want to sign him, Di Matteo has made clear that he want the defender as part of his team.

Cech was a doubt to stay after not breaking in to the relegated team for most of his first season, with Di Matteo being understood to be looking to strenghten this part of the team.  Had Mowbray not moved on Cech would have definately been out of the door as he had stated any reasonable offer would be accepted. Di Matteo has vowed to veto and such move and has obviously seen good in the versatile player, added to the fact that Cech is an obvious replacement for Paul Robinson.

Cech has started in both Slovenian friendlies and given a good account of himself, setting up a goal in one. The player, who made just three Premier League starts last season, signed for Albion for £1.4million moving from Porto last summer. He was a target for Celtic in the January transfer window when Gordon Strachan, the then Parkhead boss  showed an interest and although Mowbray was prepared to release him from the Albion, he now appears to like the idea of purchasing him again.

His agent Juraj Venglos is saying that Twente, managed by former England boss Steve McClaren, are also keen on Cech.

Youssouf Mulumbu signs permanent deal.

The £175,000 signing Youssouf Mulumbu, whose loan spell at the Hawthorns for the 2nd half of last season was riddled with injury, joins on a permanent deal. Di Matteos 2nd signing looks likely to make him a regular championship player this coming season.

The defensive midfielder has no doubt helped get this permanent deal by giving excellent performances in both of the Slovenian pre season friendlies, he also seems to have put 100% in to training too. The DR Congo international will be looking to the coming season with high expectations, he must be relishing a fresh start free of injury.

Youssouf joins other new signing, £1.9million striker Simon Cox who is also looking to make the step up from League One to the Championship after signing from Swindon.
Another new signing for the Albion is “TBS” The Bomber Squad! Not a player, but a group of 80 plus fans determined to bring the buzz back to the “Brummie”.

Although Albion fans were seen as wonderful in the way they accepted relegation last season, Mark Abel from Hagley and Martin Greenwood of Halesowen are determined to restore the Brummie atmosphere. Naming themselves after Albion legend Tony “Bomber” Brown, they are determined to bring the roar to all four sides of the stadium and rival the roar from years past.

The club, whom purchased a drum for 1 supporter in the Smethwick End a couple of seasons back have stepped in to help once again by finding the core of TBS a section all of their own at the back of the Brummie. So ear plugs may be needed in the coming months, when you go along to support the team.

Greening could be staying?

Whilst Greening continues to give 100%, Di Matteo rates him and the club have not got a suitable offer, there is every chance that the club captain may well continue in this role.

Di Matteo has put on record the fact that he sees Greening as a top pro, always first in and last out of training. He has spoken of Greening as a model professional and a leading light at the Hawthorns, a captain that leads by example and a good player to boot. These are not the words of a manager that does not want to keep a player, nor are they the words of a manager that has given up all hope, these appear to be the words of a manager that expects to have the player at his disposal for the future.

Greening has expressed his love of the club, continued to show his professionalism and put in a very good performance in his only pre season game so far. He has stated that should West Brom not get a satisfactory offer he will be happy to continue his carer At the Hawthorns. He only decided to put in his transfer request because he felt that age was against him, he wants to be part of an established premiership side like any other player does. This he fears will not be possible at the Albion, however, he may be convinced otherwise and could eventually stay. If he does, it will not be under a cloud and he will no doubt put in 100% and more for the club.

Jeremy Peace has tabled a new 4 year deal for Greening and this is still there should the club not get a suitable offer. All in all it seems that the odds of Greening pulling on the blue and white stripes in the championship next season are getting shorter and shorter.

Greenings transfer request – The facts

It is common knowledge that West Broms club captain Johnathan Greening has demanded a transfer, however, this was not because of  Fulhams £2M rejected bid as many considered the case to be. Jeremy Peace has confirmed today that Jonno had privately handed him an official transfer request just prior to leaving for the clubs Slovenia tour and that they had sat down in private to discuss the issue.

The 30 year old has told of his desire to play for an established premiership side and feels that this may be his last chance. Greening has a good pedigree being the owner of a Champions League medal and can boast Manchester United as one of his previous clubs, along with a spell at the Riverside Stadium with Middlesborough. Greening will probably follow Paul Robinson out of the Hawthorns, although it seems likely that he will head south and possibly link up with old team mate Zoltan Gera, as opposed to joining his old manager Gary Megson as Paul Robinson has done.

Greening has been noted to say that he will stay professional right to the very end should Albion be unable to negotiate a suitable deal, however, will Di Matteo want to keep a player that wants away as previous managers have done? West Broms return to the Championship seems very likely to be under the reigns of a new captain even if Jonno stays, is that captain already at the Hawthorns? Only time will tell.