West Brom aim to finalise Claudio Yacob move in days

Published Nov 7, 2016

Last updated Jul 16, 2012

West Bromwich Albion will attempt to wrap up the signing of Argentina international Claudio Yacob this week after cooling their interest in Tongo Doumbia.

The Baggies hope to complete their swoop for Yacob in time for the 24-year-old to link up with Steve Clarke's men on the pre-season trip to Sweden.

Yacob has emerged as Albion's top midfield target with a deal to sign Doumbia now looking less likely despite a weekend of talks with both players.

Sources in France have confirmed that Doumbia has left Albion after discussions with the club failed to yield an agreement.

And while the Baggies could yet re-open discussions with the 22-year-old midfield powerhouse, the highly-rated Yacob, who was revealed as a Baggies target in Saturday's Express & Star, has now become their top priority.

But sporting director Dan Ashworth will need to negotiate several layers of international red tape if Albion are to complete the signing of a player who has previously been scouted by Arsenal and Manchester United.

Yacob, who is a holding midfielder, has been captain of Argentine side Racing Club de Avellaneda since 2008 but left his only professional club when his contract expired last month.

Talks over a move to Brazilian side Botafogo collapsed, leaving Albion in pole position as they look to boost midfield options following the release of Paul Scharner and Keith Andrews last season.

The majority of Clarke's squad played for 45 minutes in a 3-2 defeat to a Kidderminster side in a behind-closed-doors training ground friendly on Saturday.

Ryan Rowe scored twice and James Vincent once for Harriers.