West Brom losing out on their transfer targets

West Brom are losing out to Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in the race for Shola Ameobi - as Michael Essien's agent claimed his client turned down the club.

The Baggies had agreed a contract in principle with the former Newcastle United forward, but either side has yet to activate the deal.

But Palace are believed to have offered better terms and, with Albion only considering him a stop-gap capture, there may be no further offer from the Hawthorns.

Boss Tony Pulis knows his strengths, having taken him on loan to Stoke City in 2008. Ameobi played six times for the Potters, including three starts.

But the remainder of his career in England was spent with his hometown club Newcastle, for whom he made more than 350 appearances.

The 33-year-old is a free agent having ended his contract with Turkish side Gaziantep, after the club suffered financial problems.

Former Chelsea star Essien is available, too, having fallen out-of-favour at Italian giants AC Milan where his terms end this summer.

Albion were informed of the 32-year-old's availability but insisted they had no plans to pursue the Ghana international, who is available for a small fee this month.

His agent Fabien Piveteau insists this is not the case and that there was contact, from both the Baggies and top-flight compatriots Queens Park Rangers.

Piveteau said: "Essien doesn't want to play in the Premier League for a different side to his old club Chelsea. We have turned down offers from both West Brom and QPR."

Albion are also likely to lose out on Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who is close to signing for West Ham.

Pulis admitted that he had spoken to the Scotland international, but the Hammers' extra financial clout and impressive Premier League form appears to have won the day.

The 30-year-old is poised to move to Upton Park on a six-month loan with a view to a permanent signing, with his deal at Old Trafford expiring at the end of the season.

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