Express & Star

West Brom refute foul play on Claudio Yacob deal

West Brom today insisted they played by the rules when signing Claudio Yacob after accusations they cut two 'unlicensed agents' out of commission.

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An online report said two unlicensed Argentine agents – Daniel Villagran and Oscar Bianco – were unhappy they had not been paid for their alleged role in Yacob's move to the Hawthorns last summer.

But the Baggies deny that the duo were involved in the negotiations that brought the Argentina international to the Premier League on a free transfer from Buenos Aires side Racing Club.

A West Brom statement read: "As with all of our transfer dealings, the negotiation process regarding the signing of Claudio Yacob complied fully with all FIFA and FA rules and regulations.

"All negotiations were conducted and concluded directly with a FIFA-registered agent."

The report, published online by CNN, claimed Bianco and Villagran had a key role in the transfer.

It said they had accompanied Yacob to England for negotiations and to Naples to arrange an Italian passport, which allowed him to play in England without a work permit.

It's understood that the Baggies accept the pair travelled to England with Yacob, but the club insist they did not act as agents in negotiating the transfer.

However, a lawyer acting on behalf of the pair has reportedly written to the FA, asking English football's governing body to investigate the alleged use of unlicensed agents, which is against the rules.

CNN claim to have seen emails suggesting the Football Association are investigating, but FA spokesman Scott Field refused to confirm or deny that an inquiry was ongoing.

It's FA policy not to discuss any involvement in transfer or financial matters unless charges are brought.

Meanwhile, CNN claims Yacob's former agent is preparing to sue the 25-year-old in Argentina, after claiming he had been denied his share of commission on the transfer.

Simonian reportedly claims he conducted negotiations with West Brom early on in the transfer process, but Yacob's contract with the Baggies was signed after their relationship ended.

Lawyer Xabier de Beristain Humphrey, who was involved in the later stages of negotiations, was reportedly named as the agent on official documentation.

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