West Brom Manager Steve Clarke Hoping For Quick Resolution To Nicolas Anelka Issue

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Baggies boss seeks decision from AWOL striker.

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West Brom manager Steve Clarke is keen to resolve the future of Nicolas Anelka, who is on leave from the club and considering retirement, ESPN reports.

The Frenchman was rumoured to have stormed out of training with the club last week, and though Clarke played down talk of a rift between the player and the club, it was confirmed that he could be considering retirement after the news of his agent’s death.

The 24-year-old only joined West Brom this summer on a free transfer from Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua, and was seen by many as a good piece of business by manager Clarke, though he will now be forced to consider entering the market again for a new addition upfront.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea assistant admitted he would like Anelka’s future resolved quickly, as there is not long left in the transfer window for him to make a move for a new player.

“The Nicolas Anelka situation hasn’t really changed but I’m conscious time is short before the window closes and we have to try to get it sorted,” he said.

If Anelka does retire, it will bring an end to a great career in the Premier League, with the striker scoring 159 goals in 461 appearances for the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Bolton and Chelsea. The veteran forward has also had spells abroad with Real Madrid, Fenerbahce and Juventus.

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