Dichio deal dead, says agent

15 October 2001

Sky are reporting that the deal to bring Sunderland striker Danny Dichio to the Hawthorns has collapsed because of the two clubs' failure to agree a fee. The story has, however, come from Dichio's agent - and agents are notorious for making use of the media to try and "help" deals along. The report suggests that Sunderland have set a fee of £1 million for Dichio, but Albion have offered £750,000 plus a further £250,000 based on appearances and that wasn't good enough for Sunderland. His agent had the following to say:

"The deal is definitely off as the two clubs are just not able to agree on a fee. Danny desperately wanted to go to West Brom and Gary Megson was very keen, but it is now just not going to happen as Sunderland are not prepared to budge and, unfortunately, West Brom will not up their offer - so there is a stalemate. It is a shame because when you put the fee into perspective it is not a lot of money for a player of Danny's type - a big striker, good in the air and one who has scored goals in the Premiership."

"I know Palace have been mentioned, but I have had no approach from any other club at the moment. Danny wants to go to an ambitious club and one who has serious promotion credentials. He would not be prepared to drop down the leagues, but he is hoping to seal a move further south because his wife and kids are now down there. He is fit now and training at Sunderland, so I am expecting there to be some interest later in the week."

Albion, presumably, have another vital use already earmarked for that extra £250,000...

Previous Stories:

  14 October 2001:  Reid: No Discount for Danny

  12 October 2001:  Dobie is PFA Player of the Month

  12 October 2001:  Dichio: Black Cats up the price

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