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West Brom race to beat transfer deadline

West Brom still hope to clinch the signing of a defender before tomorrow's transfer deadline – but face strong competition from Everton for possible target Bryan Oviedo.

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West Brom still hope to clinch the signing of a defender before tomorrow's transfer deadline – but face strong competition from Everton for possible target Bryan Oviedo.

Baggies boss Steve Clarke remains keen to recruit a left-sided stopper in the final 24 hours of the transfer window.

But Everton are ready to challenge them for Oviedo's signature should the Baggies opt to chase a late deal for the FC Copenhagen man.

The 22-year-old Costa Rica international is one of several targets still in the Baggies' sights as they monitor developments in the final hours of summer business.

And he now looks increasingly likely to leave the Danish capital after Copenhagen failed to reach the group stages of the Champions League.

Everton, however, are also considering a last-ditch bid after having a previous offer rejected.

Blackburn full-back Martin Olsson remains high on Albion's list of targets but Rovers' asking price could scupper the chances of a deal with the Sweden international still having two years left on a five-year deal.

And Argentina international Cristian Ansaldi, of Rubin Zazan, has also been the subject of an enquiry from the Baggies, who are keen to add back-up to first-choice left-back Liam Ridgewell.

Ansaldi, who has also been linked with big-spending QPR, can also operate at right-back.

Meanwhile, striker Peter Odemwingie has been hit by claims from Nigeria international manager Stephen Keshi that the Albion man ignored his phonecalls when he sounding out players for his latest squad.

"I called he didn't pick up, I called, he didn't pick up," said Keshi. "And he did not return my call.

"I sent him a text, he returned the text that he would call me the next day. Up till this second, he did not call back.

"I guess he is not in the mood to play for Nigeria and I cannot push him to play."

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