Jonas Olsson maps out future plan

Defender Jonas Olsson has pledged his future to Albion despite admitting he would like to test himself elsewhere in Europe before he retires.

The Swede plans to at least see out his four-year Hawthorns contract before considering a fresh challenge.

Olsson played in Sweden and Holland before moving to the Hawthorns from NEC Nijmegen in 2008 and the 28-year-old would consider playing in a fourth country before ending his career.

But the Sweden international insisted he is in no hurry to move on.

He said: "I always enjoy living in new countries and learning new languages and I could see myself playing in Italy, Spain or Turkey.

"But it was always my dream to play in the Premier League and I'm happy to have another shot at my dream.

"I am grateful to be here and striving to climb another step on the ladder. I can see myself here for a long time.

"If I'm honest you have to set new targets and dreams to do even better. If you're playing in Holland then you want to play in a big league like England.

"If you're playing in England you want to get an even higher club and if you're at a Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal then you want to win trophies.

"But what is important is performing where you are at the moment. If we don't do that we can't fulfil our dreams.

"I signed for four years two years ago and that is an indicator that I am happy here and want to stay here."

Olsson is preparing for his third season in the Premier League and the centre-half is challenging the Baggies to build on this season's survival by strengthening the squad this summer.

He said: "We need better players to push forwards. We're a Premier League club for a second season and we need to raise the bar.

"We're going to California this summer, not Holland, so that's a step up. Little things like that are important."

Fresh transfer speculation emerged today concerning Albion but reports of bids from Bayern Munich for Youssouf Mulumbu and Gabriel Tamas are wide of the mark.

However, the Baggies are still in the running to sign Brad Friedel. The veteran Villa goalkeeper has the chance to return to Liverpool but Albion hope they can lure him with the offer of first-team football.