Goran Popov's best still to come at West Brom, says Steve Clarke
West Bromwich Albion boss Steve Clarke today insisted Goran Popov's best is yet to come after the Baggies re-signed the defender for another season.
Popov completed his second loan move to The Hawthorns from Dinamo Kiev. And, despite a dip in form for the Macedonia international at the end of last season, Clarke is adamant he will continue to improve in the Premier League.
"It was always our intention to get Goran back over the summer," said the Scot.
"He knows what the club's about and we know what he's about. He's a good player and it makes sense to bring him back. He understands the Premier League better now as well and we will look for even more from him next season."
Popov joined Albion initially on loan from Dinamo a year ago and became a hit with fans after impressive performances before Christmas. But his form dipped following a red card for spitting against Tottenham in February and the Baggies decided not to activate an option that would have made his move permanent in the summer.
However, they immediately opened negotiations over a new loan deal.
and the 28-year-old former Heerenveen full-back returned yesterday for a second season with a move to a permanent transfer next summer.
Sporting and technical director Richard Garlick said: "Everybody at the club is delighted Goran will be with us again this season.
"Having spent last season at the club on loan, we know exactly what we are getting from him.
"He offers us something slightly different to Liam in that position and they will again battle it out for a starting place."
The return of Popov and the decision to re-sign experienced right-back Steven Reid means Albion are unlikely to actively pursue more full-backs this summer.
Their main transfer priorities now lie in attack, where they have already snapped up Nicolas Anelka on a free transfer but require more width and firepower.
Former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou remains a target but West Ham also have a strong interest.
And Udinese striker Matej Vydra, who spent last season on loan at Watford, is also on the radar but is currently still in Italy for pre-season training.
