Gareth McAuley set to be first in for Baggies
Monday 23rd May 2011, 11:14AM BST.
Albion are poised to complete the free-transfer signing of Gareth McAuley in the next week with England’s Carlton Cole also linked with a move to The Hawthorns.
The 31-year-old has all-but agreed a contract to join the Baggies after leaving Ipswich as a free agent at the end of the season.
And West Ham forward Cole is the latest to emerge as a potential target as Albion look to fine-tune their squad for next season.
McAuley looks set to be the first new face through the door in a deal that could be confirmed by the end of this week.
Boss Roy Hodgson said: “It’s likely he will sign.
“Nothing has been concluded yet but we’re in discussions with Gareth McAuley and his agent.
“So it’s likely something will be finalised in the coming week.
“He’s another centre-half, a Northern Ireland captain who knows British football.”
Cole has emerged as a possible target a year after Hodgson considered taking the 6ft 3in tall target man to Liverpool.
The 27-year-old, who has seven England caps, has two years left on his Upton Park contract but the Hammers will be under pressure to offload high-earners following relegation to the Championship.
And reports today suggest the East London club would sell for around £4m with Stoke also said to be interested.
UK Sport
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