West Brom cool on Liam Ridgewell deal

Roy Hodgson has warned Birmingham that Albion will not be held to ransom over a deal for Liam Ridgewell.

Hodgson insisted the Baggies are ready to turn to other targets rather than pay over the odds for the Blues defender. Albion had a bid of less than £1m turned down by St Andrew's officials and Hodgson claimed they are in no rush to increase their offer, although the Baggies are considering their options.

"As far as I'm aware we've made our bid and if they have turned it down perhaps we will have to start looking elsewhere," said Hodgson.

"I don't think the club are anxious to improve that bid.

"It was a suggestion that came up and I thought it was a good idea at the price that we thought was a possibility.

"But, if it's not a possibility, we will have to move away. As I've said many times, we're not desperate to do business.

"If we're going to do it then it's got to be at the price it would be in the summer and not at the price it is just because it happens to be January.

"If people want details on price they would have to speak to Jeremy Peace or Dan Ashworth. But I know we put a bid in, I know it's been rejected and I have happily accepted that and moved on."

Hodgson, meanwhile, dismissed fresh speculation about reported talks with Fulham over the sale of Peter Odemwingie.

Internet stories yesterday claimed the Baggies had held discussions with Hodgson's former club over a cash-plus-players deal to take Odemwingie to London, with Damien Duff and Chris Baird mooted as makeweights.

But Hodgson said: "I'm not sure where the story emanates from but there is no truth in it.

"We have had no contact with Fulham regarding Peter Odemwingie – or with any other club for that matter.

"And Odemwingie is not for sale anyway. I suppose you'd have to say all players are for sale for a certain price, but he's not a player we're looking to sell.

"Those stories have come up from out of nowhere so it's a bit of a waste of breath discussing them as far as I'm concerned."

* Albion have sold their allocation for the trip to Wolves next month.