West Brom in fight to keep Peter Odemwingie

West Bromwich Albion were today braced for a fight to keep Peter Odemwingie after they rejected a bid from money-rich Qatari club Al-Gharafa for the Nigeria international.

The Baggies yesterday rebuffed an offer for an undisclosed fee for the 30-year-old, who signed a new three-year contract last season, and dismissed suggestions of a training ground bust-up with new boss Steve Clarke as "utter nonsense".

But news of a definite interest from the Middle East in the Baggies hitman could signal the start of another summer-long transfer saga involving the No.1 hitman.

Early indications of interest from Al-Gharafa came yesterday with a story claiming Odemwingie could be on his way to Qatar following a fall-out.

And while Baggies sources dismissed suggestions of a row between boss and star player as "without foundation" the stories were followed up within hours by a firm offer from Al-Gharafa which was immediately kicked into touch.

Clarke is also considering the future of Simon Cox, who is attracting interest from clubs including Blackburn and Middlesbrough.

Meanwhile, Clarke still hopes to have Argentina international midfielder Claudio Yacob on board by the end of the Swedish trip, with talks continuing today.