Robert Koren leaves in shock move

West Bromwich Albion have sprung a major surprise by releasing Slovenia captain Robert Koren.

The Baggies have opted not to take up their year's option on the 29-year-old midfielder, ending his three-and-a-half-year career at the Hawthorns.

Sporting director Dan Ashworth said: "Robert has been a great servant to the club and we would like to thank him for all his efforts.

"He scored some important goals for us and has been very professional in everything he has done.

"However, on our return to the Premier League we have to try to get the balance of the squad right and we feel we are best served concentrating our available resources into other areas of the squad.

"We also have to be aware of the new Premier League rules regarding the number of home-grown players that must be included in the squad."

The decision has come as a shock, especially after agent Zoran Krneta claimed last month that Albion had indicated their intention to take up the option.

But the Baggies have now decided to focus their funds on other targets, with Koren's exit likely to free up as much as £1million in wages.

Head coach Roberto Di Matteo already has Player of the Year Graham Dorrans, Youssouf Mulumbu, Chris Brunt, James Morrison, Jerome Thomas and Giles Barnes available to compete for midfield places, while record signing Borja Valero could also return after a year on loan at Real Mallorca.

The move leaves Koren looking for a new club less than month before leading his country into World Cup action with England among their first-round opponents.

Di Matteo said: "I would like to thank Robert for his contribution and professionalism and wish him well for the World Cup and his future."

The 29-year-old was signed on a free transfer from Norwegian outfit Lillestrom in January 2007 by Tony Mowbray, helping the Baggies reach the Championship play-off final in his first season before scoring 10 goals in the following campaign to help the club win the Championship title.

But Koren had a frustrating year, with Valero's arrival seeing him moved from his central midfield role.