Filipe Teixeira leaves Albion for Ukraine

Filipe Teixeira today left Albion to join Ukranian club Metallurg Donetsk.

The 29-year-old was out of contract at The Hawthorns and has signed a two-year deal to try his luck in Ukraine's top division.

Teixeira spent three years at The Hawthorns and was a hero of the 2008 Championship triumph under Tony Mowbray.

But he never recaptured his best form following a serious knee injury during that campaign and fell out of favour with current boss Roberto Di Matteo.

Metallurg sporting director Vartan Israelyan confirmed the free transfer signing in a club statement.

He said: ''We know that Philip Teixeira is an experienced player who can play different positions in midfield and on the flanks.

"He was good performer in Portuguese, English and French championships.

The Paris-born Portuguese national sealed a £600,000 move from Portuguese outfit Academica de Coimbra to Albion in July 2007.

Teixeira was among a group of players deemed surplus to requirements by Di Matteo. The list also includes centre-back Leon Barnett and striker Luke Moore, but the duo remain under contract and have so far attracted no firm offers.

Meanwhile, The Baggies are awaiting further developments on Borja Valero's future but it appears increasingly likely that the Spaniard will return for pre-season training.

Sevilla have had a bid, believed to be worth around £3.3m, rejected.