West Brom target Tim Ream could stay in US

Potential West Brom target Tim Ream could opt to stay in America in January, his agent has revealed.

Ream will link up with the Baggies for training next Monday before heading to Bolton the following week after both clubs expressed an interest in watching him closely.

But agent Patrick McCabe has admitted the prospect of guaranteed first-team football might keep the 24-year-old at New York Red Bulls, who are reluctant to sell him in the January transfer window.

"Red Bull has maintained that Tim is an important piece of the club for next season," said McCabe.

"Tim certainly is interested in moving to Europe but, at the right time and under the right conditions.

"He still needs to play regularly and Red Bull currently provides that.

"As he moves toward the end of his contract, I believe that there will be some interesting options for him in Europe in the future.

"Both clubs (Albion and Bolton) have admired Tim for some time and it affords both parties a chance to see each other up close.

"Roy Hodgson and Owen Coyle are top manager and, above all, this will be a good opportunity for Tim's professional development."

The American MLS, which holds players' registrations centrally, has two one-year options on Ream, who has five full caps for the United States.

European clubs could, however, offer to loan Ream in January with the American game currently in its winter break and the new MLS season not due to start until March.

McCabe claimed clubs from across Europe are keeping tabs on Ream and revealed Arsenal held talks about signing him a year ago before cooling their interest.

Stories from across the Atlantic claim the Gunners made both a seven-figure cash offer and a loan bid but saw both rejected.

McCabe said: "There are numerous teams that have been watching Tim for the last two years.

"I won't comment on specific clubs at this time but they are from England, France, Holland, Scotland and Germany.

"Arsenal did make an offer to purchase Tim at the end of the 2010 season.

"The offer was rejected and no further negotiations followed.

"Red Bull was not interested in selling Tim at that time."