Second signing imminent?

03 June 2004

According to reports from Denmark, Albion are on the verge of signing 24 year old FC Copenhagen defender Martin Albrechtsen. According to the FCK Board, Albrechtsen will join be joining fellow International Thomas Gaardsoe in England "as soon as possible".

The 24 year old has been on the fringes of the Danish International team, making three appearances - his debut was last year against Slovenia - but he has not made the final choices for Euro 2004 and is therefore free to enter negotiations and sign straight away. Albrechtsen has played with the Danish Under 17, Under 18 and Under 21 teams (for whom he earned 14 caps). Two of Denmark's most experienced centre halves will be retiring after Euro 2004, which could result in Albion fielding their first choice central defenders side by side.

An unconfirmed rumour puts the fee at ?2.5 million (reckoned by those in Denmark to be something of a bargain), which would make him a joint club record signing alongside Lee Hughes. Reports from Denmark have described him as "a ferocious tackler with a bit of pace", "central defence stalwart with quiet charisma and an unusually well-developed tactical ability for his age" and "perfect for English style football and an easy-to-like person ? you?ll love him". He was linked with Sunderland a few years back, and apparently Everton took an interest in him last year.

 - Thanks to Benny Andersen

Meanwhile it seems as though Albion have lost the chase for Paul Dickov's signature as the Leicester striker looks set to sign for Blackburn Rovers. Reports that Andy Cole may become available as a result have been dismissed by Blackburn.

Update:

Albrechtsen has signed for a club record fee of ?2.7 million (2.5 guaranteed and a further 0.2 dependant on various stuff) and has taken squad number 4.

Previous Stories:

  25 May 2004:  Ticket prices - an Own Goal?

  22 May 2004:  New kits unveiled... perhaps

  10 May 2004:  Quiz night at the Throstle Club

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