Transfer progress

12 January 2003

At last, it looks like there is hope of getting some new faces in to strengthen the team. Albion have agreed a deal with Nigerian World Cup start Ifeanyi Udeze to join the club on loan for the remainder of the season, with a view to a permanent move if we remain in the Premiership. Udeze is a pacy left sided defender, whose International career has included a sending-off against Senegal for a kick and a punch as his side lost in the semi-final of the African Nations Cup. He also tormented England's right side in a 0-0 draw, and has picked up a reputation for providing exciting overlapping play and a "never say die" attitude. The last remaining issue seems to be that of getting a work permit for him to play in England.

The club have also had discussions with Tim Sherwood of Tottenham, although rumours suggest that he may sign for Portsmouth instead, and press reports at the end of last week suggested that the reported attempts to sign USA star Tony Sanneh were not yet dead either. Finally, todays Sunday People says that Athletic Bilbao centre half Roberto Rios will sign on Monday. Rios is 6 foot 5 tall and played for Bilbao in the Ronnie Allen Memorial game back in August 2001 - putting in a superb performance. Rios, a Spanish International, is now 31 and is reckoned to be joining on a free transfer as he is out of contract in the summer. He originally joined Bilbao for £7.6 million back in 1999. The same article ends by saying Megson is also hoping to take Valencia striker Salva Ballesta on loan until the end of the season!

Reports elsewhere also mention Ballesta, and add the name of Celta Vigo's Benni McCarthy. Megson has already held talks with Valencia about a loan deal to the end of the season for Ballesta, while pacy South African ace McCarthy is also in Megson's sights and the Baggies are ready to meet Celta's demands of a £500,000 fee to take on the forward for the rest of the campaign.

Update: Rios flew into the Midlands this morning, according to Sky Sports, and will train with the club for a couple of days to prove his fitness - the deal being pretty much done.

Previous Stories:

  09 January 2003:  Transfers - or not...

  09 January 2003:  Fulham - 19th Feb

  06 January 2003:  FA Cup R4: Watford away

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