Express & Star

West Brom fail in chase for Napoli defender Federico Fernandez

West Bromwich Albion have failed in a bid to sign Argentina international centre-back Federico Fernandez on loan from Napoli.

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The Baggies enquired about signing the 24-year-old on loan for the season with a view to a permanent move.

But the Italian club insisted they would not loan the 6ft 2in defender, who has 18 caps for his country, and the Baggies have ruled out an immediate permanent move, with the former Estudiantes man valued at around £7m.

Albion will continue to monitor Fernandez in case Napoli have a change of heart, but the move does signal that boss Steve Clarke is keen to strengthen at centre-back.

Gabriel Tamas, who has enjoyed mixed fortunes in the Premier League, and Craig Dawson, who is a relative top-flight rookie, are the only back-up to first-choice central defensive pairing Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson.

Nicolas Anelka is the only new face at The Hawthorns so far this summer

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