Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Albion boss open to Valero return
Wednesday 19th May 2010, 12:20PM BST.
Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo has refused to rule out record signing Borja Valero returning to the Baggies team next season.
Valero’s loan at Real Mallorca has ended with the cash-strapped Spanish club unable to take up their option to sign him for £3.5million.
That has opened the door to a potential return for the 25-year-old to the Hawthorns, enduring a difficult first season in the Premier League after his original £4.7million move from Mallorca.
Di Matteo said: “He is another option we’re going to have next year. He has had a very good season in Spain and I think Spanish football suits him very well, but he is a good player and I am not shutting the door on anybody.
“At the moment we are talking and there is nothing concrete.
“There is a chance he might stay with us or not, but at the moment he is one of our players.”
Di Matteo admitted Valero’s possible return was a factor in the decision to release Robert Koren.
The Baggies boss said: “Borja is another West Brom player and he is a similar player to Robbie.”
Albion opted not to take up a one-year option on Koren’s contract – a decision Di Matteo admitted was a tough one.
He said: “Basically I need to put the resources that were there for Robbie into different kinds of players.
“We probably have similar players in the club with similar abilities and I’m just looking to add something different to our team.
“It was a difficult decision, because he has been a good player for the club and he is a very good guy as well.
“But when it comes down to business you have to leave your emotions to one side and make decisions that are in the best interests of the club.
“I wish him all the best for the future.”
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