Albion have turned their attentions to Romania international Gabriel Tamas after wrapping up the signing of Gonzalo Jara.

The versatile Chile international defender has penned a three-year contract at the Hawthorns, with a further year’s option in the club’s favour.

Jara will start his Baggies career after the international break.

But Albion head coach Roberto Di Matteo still wants another commanding centre-back before the closure of the transfer window and Auxerre stopper Tamas is still on the agenda.

Reports from France suggest that Auxerre are ready to negotiate over a deal for the 25-year-old and that will alert the Baggies, who have had the 6ft 2in centre-half watched.