Baggies chase one but give up on another.
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West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke has confirmed that he is hoping to wrap up a deal for Manchester City midfielder Scott Sinclair, but doubts that former Chelsea man Salomon Kalou will be moving to the West Midlands anytime soon, Sky Sports reports.
Sinclair had started just two Premier League games for City last season after joining up from Swansea City and he has been continuously linked with a loan move away from the Etihad.
So far Everton, Newcastle and West Brom have all shown an interest in taking him on board, and Clarke is hoping that he can win the race to land his signature before this weekend’s season opener against Southampton.
“We’ve made an enquiry to Manchester City,” said Clarke in the Birmingham Mail. “There are discussions between the two clubs but beyond that there is nothing to report.
“It would be nice to think we can get one in before Saturday. If we can get two in, it would be great. If I can get three, I would be delighted.
“I know we have until September 2 – at the moment I must confess I’m a bit anxious, but I’m not panicking yet.
“I’m the head coach. I give them (the club) a list of players who I think would be good for us. By and large the targets we’ve identified we haven’t been able to persuade to come so far. Some of them have maybe been too expensive.”
However, Clarke is holding less hope in signing Lille striker Soloman Kalou, even though their £2.6million triggered the release clause that is installed in his contract.
West Ham have also been credited with an interest, but Clarke doesn’t see the former Chelsea man leaving France during the transfer window.
“I don’t think anybody has been able to persuade Salomon to come out of France,” he added.
“The closer you get to the start of our season, the closer you get to the start of the French season. It doesn’t look as if that one will happen, but that’s normal in any transfer season.
“It’s not just us who couldn’t persuade him. A few clubs wanted him.”