Wolves join Albion in David Vaughan race
Wolves have joined Albion in a Black Country tug-of-war for Blackpool midfielder David Vaughan.
Wolves have joined Albion in a Black Country tug-of-war for Blackpool midfielder David Vaughan.
Sources close to the Wales international have confirmed Wolves have now joined the race for the 28-year-old, who was one of Blackpool's stars of their entertaining but ultimately doomed Premier League campaign.
But they will face stiff competition for the 5ft 5ins playmaker with the Baggies, Sunderland and Queens Park Rangers all vying for his signature.
The left-footed schemer is currently on holiday and will take his time over a decision with the race hotting up for his signature after an impressive season in the Premier League, when he was named as Blackpool's Player of the Year.
Both Albion and Wolves can offer a closer home to Vaughan's North Wales roots.
But both West Midlands rivals will find it harder to match Sunderland's financial clout because of their spending power, as they are armed with considerable funds following the £24million sale of Darren Bent and the £20million exit of Jordan Henderson.
As well as Vaughan, Albion also have an interest in Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng, although they stress they haven't launched a bid to sign him.
Albion face competition from Ukrainian club Dnipro and interest from other Premier League clubs, according to reports.
Sunderland, Stoke and Villa are all monitoring the central midfielder, but no one has made an offer.
The 28-year-old, who has played in Greece, Israel and Germany before moving to Getafe in 2009, would be able to gain a work permit as he is a regular in the Ghana international squad.
The player's British representative Chris Nathaniel said: "Derek is obviously flattered by the interest in England.
"He knows the interest is strong and we're aware at least one bid has been made for him."
Dnipro are reportedly in pole position for Boateng, who usually plays as a defensive midfielder.
Boateng was on Albion's list of targets after winning promotion last summer, but they opted to sign Paul Scharner instead.
Boateng's club Getafe are reported to want £7million for Boateng.
And Albion could find finances block any move for Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given.
It is understood City are unwilling to subsidise any loan for the 35-year-old, who will cost around £3.5million to buy and earns around £80,000 a week.
