Express & Star

West Brom sign Sébastien Pocognoli

West Bromwich Albion today signed German-based left-back Sébastien Pocognoli from Hannover 96.

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The 26-year-old former Belgium Under-21 international signed for an undisclosed fee but it is thought he has cost in the region of £1.5 million.

He has become the Baggies' fourth summer signing, penning a three-year deal, plus a year's option in the club's favour, after agreeing personal terms and passing a medical.

Pocognoli, has 12 Belgium caps, and narrowly missed out on a World Cup place after injury saw him miss the final six weeks of last season.

He has top-flight experience in Belgium, Holland and Germany following spells with Genk, AZ Alkmaar, Standard Liege and Hannover. In 2008/09, Pocognoli played a prominent role as Alkmaar – then managed by Holland boss Louis van Gaal – won the Dutch Eredivisie title.

Head coach Alan Irvine said: "Sébastien is an experienced left-back who has played at a high level for many years.

"After being named in Belgium's provisional World Cup squad, he just missed out on Brazil, mainly because he hadn't played enough games towards the end of the season.

"But he's joined us with a real hunger to prove himself at Albion and get back into the international set-up.

"We've done our due diligence on Sébastien in terms of people who have worked with him, including Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas.

"You make your own mind up about a player's ability from watching him play but you put these calls in to find out about their personality.

"The feedback on Sébastien was very positive."

Pocognoli will meet up with his new team-mates at pre-season training on Monday.

Technical director Terry Burton added: "Sébastien is a player the club has been watching for a while and we're delighted to have him on board.

"He's a competitive left-back who knows his position very well."

However it is not yet clear whether another Albion target for that position, Australian Jason Davidson, will be joining the club.

Albion's moves for Davidson have been jolted by a dispute over his availability. The player is claiming a free transfer but his Dutch club Heracles Almelo are adamant they have taken up a one year's option on his services.

* Albion yesterday announced a freeze on match ticket prices for the forthcoming season – the third successive campaign in which prices at the Hawthorns will be the same.

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