West Bromich Albion

West Brom plan tour of California
West Bromwich Albion will play two Major League Soccer sides as part of a pre-season tour to California. The Baggies will face Los Angeles Galaxy at the Home Depot Centre on 20 July, and Club Deportivo Chivas USA in Santa Barbara six days later. "I think it's good for the players to get away from the training ground they work at day in, day out," manager Bryan Robson explained. "It will build team spirit - training in nice weather is always good." Albion's pre-season programme also includes a home game with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid on Sunday, 7 August. They also visit AFC Telford United (9 July), Cheltenham Town (9 July), Milton Keynes Dons (13 July), Crewe Alexandra (15 July) and Cardiff City (31 July).

Baggies want Kirkland loan deal
West Brom manager Bryan Robson has confirmed that he is interested in taking Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland on a long-term loan deal. "We are interested in signing him for a certain amount of time," Robson told the Liverpool website. "I hope to have him over for training so we can assess his fitness. If all is all right there could be a loan deal. "I am hoping to have talks this week and a deal is something we are definitely looking at." Kirkland began his career in the West Midlands at Coventry before moving to Liverpool for £6m in August 2001 but he has been plagued by injuries in recent years.

Watson considers West Brom option
Everton's Steve Watson is considering whether his future lies away from Goodison Park after West Brom showed an interest in signing the midfielder. The 31-year-old is out of contract this summer but has been offered a new deal to stay with the Toffees. "I haven't given up hope of staying but I'm flattered by Albion's interest," said Watson. "I hope I can have another talk with manager David Moyes. I don't know what I'll be doing next." The former Newcastle player said he would be tempted by a move to West Brom. "I'm aware of Bryan Robson's interest and it's the second time he has tried to sign me, dating back to his Middlesbrough days," he added. "Joining Albion is a move that would interest me - if I am to leave Everton."

Robson not relying on Richardson
West Brom boss Bryan Robson says the uncertainty over 20-year-old Kieran Richardson's future will not affect his plans for the transfer market. The midfielder made a good impression at the Hawthorns while on loan from Manchester United last season. "I have got to get on and look at the long term of the club and whether Kieran comes in or not does not affect that," Robson told WBA's website. "As far as I am concerned, he is our 'bonus ball'." Richardson became a firm favourite at the Hawthorns after moving on loan from Old Trafford in January. He scored three times in 11 appearances and his impressive displays earned him a call-up for England's short tour in the United States during May. And the youngster made an immediate impact, scoring two goals in his debut in the 2-1 win over the USA.

Ex-West Brom star to sue surgeon
Former West Brom midfielder Michael Appleton is set to sue the surgeon he believes finished his career. Appleton retired two years ago at the age of 27 after failing to recover from a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered in a training-ground accident. But the one-time Manchester United trainee is now going to take the man who operated on him to court. In two years Appleton underwent six operations as he battled to recover his fitness and he wants compensation. The case is expected to be heard early next year but Appleton's legal team are not naming the surgeon they are taking action against.

Gera to miss start of pre-season
West Brom manager Bryan Robson has told midfielder Zoltan Gera to miss the first nine days of pre-season as he recovers from an intensive season. "I played Zoltan in every game last season and he played virtually every game in his first season in English football," said Gera. "He also had a lot of international action last season with Hungary. "It's important now that he gets enough time to rest so he is fresh for the start of next season." The 26-year-old missed just one Premiership team as the Baggies won their battle against relegation. He also played in all of Hungary's eight internationals during the season, including their recent 3-2 win over Iceland in World Cup qualifying. Gera will now play no part in the friendlies against AFC Telford and Cheltenham. Junichi Inamoto will report back at the same time as Gera after his season also ran into June due to Japan's Confederations Cup involvement.

West Brom get Carter green light
Birmingham have accepted West Brom's £1.5m bid for midfielder Darren Carter. The Baggies now have to agree personal terms with the 21-year-old and the fee may rise by £250,000 based on the success of the Hawthorns club. Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace said: "Bryan Robson has highlighted Darren as one of the players he wants to bring to the club. "Our offer has been accepted by Blues and we will begin talks with Darren now that he has returned from holiday." Carter struggled to hold down a first-team place with Birmingham last season until he was recalled from a loan spell with Sunderland. He impressed on his return to the side but was back out of favour towards the end of the campaign. And, with Blues boss Steve Bruce targeting a summer midfield signing, the two have decided to part company.

Kirkland prefers Baggies to Bhoys
Liverpool goalkeeper Chris Kirkland is set to choose West Brom over Celtic as his destination for a loan spell. Kirkland, 24, wants to stay in the Premiership to prove his fitness and win back his England squad place. His agent told the Express & Star: "Chris is a little concerned Scotland means 'out of sight, out of mind.' "The opportunity at Albion suits all parties. They get a top keeper, and Liverpool can see Chris prove his fitness and show what he can do." Kirkland was ranked as one of England's top young keepers when he moved from Coventry to Liverpool for £6m in 2002. But his time at Anfield has been dogged by injuries and his future on Merseyside is in doubt. Champions League final hero Jerzy Dudek, is still at Anfield, while the acquisition of Scott Carson from Leeds and the expected arrival of Villareal keeper Jose Reina has pushed Kirkland down the pecking order. Kirkland's agent Colin Gordon said: "He wants to prove to the football world he is fit again and ready to re-establish himself, not just in the Premiership but as an England goalkeeper. "There is a World Cup year down the line and that is still very much in his thoughts."

West Brom's tour of US called off
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has reacted angrily after the club were forced to abandon a pre-season tour to California in America. Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy called off a game against the Baggies after arranging to play Real Madrid. And, after alternative fixtures could not be arranged, the club have called off a game against Chivas as well as the whole trip. "I am angry and disappointed at the treatment of our club," said Peace. He added: "We will be reporting all the circumstances to Fifa and other relevant football authorities. "We strongly believe we had a firm commitment from LA Galaxy who on 8 June confirmed by email that they had finalised their local arrangements to take West Bromwich Albion to their area and said they were 'working diligently to complete the requisite contract'. "With only 40 days remaining the club, in good faith, made the necessary airline bookings, organised visas for the staff and applied for official FA permission to travel. "It was only when we felt certain that these two games would proceed, that we informed our supporters via our official website so that anyone who wanted to travel to America could make their arrangements." Albion are now making alternative plans for two pre-season games in Europe and details will be announced as soon as possible.

Bluebirds track West Bromwich duo
Cardiff are thought to want West Brom's Jason Koumas and Darren Purse. Skilful Welsh international midfielder Koumas was transfer listed by the Baggies after manager Bryan Robson criticised his work rate and attitude. Everton are thought to be interested in signing the 25-year-old and a loan move would seem to be Cardiff's best hope. Ex-Birmingham and England Under-21 defender Purse, 28, had limited first team chances at the Baggies in the second half of last season.

Baggies clinch signing of Carter
West Brom have signed Darren Carter from Birmingham for £1.5m, with Everton's Steve Watson set to follow. Watson, 31, is out of contract at Goodison Park and held talks with West Brom boss Bryan Robson at the club's training ground on Monday. Carter, 21, signed after passing a medical on Monday and manager Bryan Robson said: "I'm really pleased we've added Darren to the squad. "He is a very promising youngster who has a big future ahead of him." Robson added: "Darren has very good stamina and is very much a box-to-box player who can play in the centre of midfield or wide on the left. "He is also left footed which gives us good balance in the squad, he has a good presence and he'll also make improvements when he gets a run in the team. "Like Richard Chaplow, he has a big future if he keeps his feet on the ground - he is a good investment for the club." Watson has yet to make his mind up whether to join West Brom after five seasons at Goodison Park. The 31-year-old, who can play in midfield or defence, has been offered a new deal to stay at Everton but is uncertain where he would fit into boss David Moyes' plans. Meanwhile, Robson expects to know by the end of the week whether he can take midfielder Kieran Richardson on loan for another season. The Manchester United player was an influential figure in West Brom's Premiership survival. But Richardson's stock was also raised when he scored two goals on his England debut in Chicago last month and will now discuss where his future lies with Sir Alex Ferguson this week. "There will be a few people after Kieran after the way he performed for us last season and then what he did for England," said Robson. "But his future will not be resolved until Sir Alex Ferguson has had a word with Kieran and his dad. "I know that meeting is going to happen some time this week but what I am confident about is if Kieran is going to go out on loan, he'll be at West Brom next season."

Watson makes switch to West Brom
Experienced utility man Steve Watson has become the third player in five days to join West Bromwich Albion. The 31-year-old has turned down the offer of a new one-year deal at Everton, to link up with Bryan Robson's squad on a three-year contract. Albion boss Robson said: "Steve has great experience and will be a valuable addition to the squad. "I tried to sign him when I was manager at Middlesbrough but just missed out. I'm delighted to get him this time." The former Newcastle and Aston Villa player, who made 28 appearances for Everton last season, can play at centre-back, right-back and in midfield. Meanwhile, Robson has hit out at reports that he and Baggies chairman Jeremy Peace are on a "collision course" after a row. "There is absolutely no difference of opinion between me and the chairman," Robson insisted. "We already have three targets in, and together we are working hard to add more new faces. "It is nonsense for anyone to suggest that we are on a collision course over the acquisition of new players - or any other subject. "We are working together very well at what is an important stage in the development of the club."

Gers & West Brom linked to Huszti
Hungary left-back Szabolcs Huszti could be involved in another signing tug-of-war between Panathinaikos and Rangers, according to his agent. Sam Stapleton says West Brom could also enter the race to sign the 20-year-old out of contract from Ferencvaros. "There is interest from Pana in Greece, as well as Rangers, and West Brom are contemplating following up their January interest," said Stapleton. Panathinaikos and Rangers are arguing over the future of Sotirios Kyrgiakos. The Scottish champions want to keep the Greece defender after a successful loan spell, but the two clubs are at odds over the fee involved. Now they could be in competition for Huszti, who can also operate in midfield and scored two goals for Hungary in a friendly against Scotland last year. Compatriot Zoltan Gera has already been a success in the English Premiership with West Brom. And Stapleton said: "Huszti is regarded as the new Gera and it's important to find the right club for him. "There are a few top Championship sides monitoring the situation, but we'll see what happens." Huszti turned out in Luis Figo's All-Star charity game over the weekend and is now close to making a decision on his future. "It's an exciting time for him and he is looking forward to a new challenge," added Stapleton.

Baggies want three more signings
West Bromwich Albion boss Bryan Robson wants to sign three more players before the start of the new season. Robson has already signed Steve Watson and Darren Carter and recruited Chris Kirkland on a season-long loan. But he still hopes to bring Manchester United midfielder Kieran Richardson back to the Hawthorns on loan, after a successful spell last term. "I've still got to speak to Sir Alex Ferguson about Kieran. Then I'm looking for one or two others," Robson said. "We are looking to have a solid squad of 24 players to work with, but I'm also looking under that where we maybe bring in two or three good players in who have got potential and can maybe grow. "If Kieran comes back, I'll very pleased with the midfield. I'll be looking for one more defender and one more striker in the perfect world." However, the former England skipper insisted that he does not want to off-load anyone from his squad - apart from transfer-listed midfielder Jason Koumas.

West Brom eye Polish star Bieniuk
West Brom are giving a five-day trial to Poland defender Jaroslaw Bieniuk. The 26-year-old Amica Wronki star, who has won seven Polish caps, could be in line for a £350,000 move to The Hawthorns if he impresses. Amica's vice-president Arkadiusz Kasprzak confirmed: "There has not been a formal offer as such but we believe it may lead to more talks." And Kasprzak added: "We, as a club, have to discuss what is the right thing for us and the player." Bieniuk has two years remaining of his current contract, but the 6ft 3in stopper has also admitted he would consider a move to England to further his career. Amica officials are stressing negotiations are at only an early stage but Robson has admitted he is keen to sign another defender - and a striker - before the new season gets underway. Robson has already signed utility player Steve Watson from Everton, midfielder Darren Carter from Birmingham and 'keeper Chris Kirkland on loan from Liverpool during the close season. He is also expecting to find out in the near future whether he can re-sign Kieran Richardson on loan, with the player due to have talks over his future with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Meanwhile, three of Robson's squad will not feature in the club's two weekend friendlies with Cheltenham at Whaddon Road and AFC Telford at Bucks Head. Midfielders Zoltan Gera and Junichi Inamoto plus striker Kanu have been given extra time off after featuring in recent internationals for Hungary, Japan and Nigeria respectively.

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