West Bromwich Albion F.C. are reportedly weighing up moves for Udinese Calcio striker Matej Vydra and Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair, Sky Sports understands.
According to Sky sources, Albion have submitted a loan bid for Vydra, who spent last season on loan at Watford in the Championship.
The Czech Republic international, 21, bagged 22 goals and seven assists in 48 appearances in all competitions for the Hornets last term, helping the Hertfordshire-based club reach the Championship play-off final.
West Brom have replaced last season’s top scorer Romelu Lukaku with journeyman Nicolas Anelka, while bolstering their defence with the addition of Uruguay international centre-back Diego Lugano.
However, Steve Clarke is still in search of attacking reinforcements, and rightfully so, amid increasing speculation linking wantaway striker Peter Odemwingie with a move to UAE Pro League side Al Nasr SC.
When asked if he would like to play in the English Premier League this season, Vydra told isport.blesk.cz: “It would be my dream. I would like to play in that competition.”
“I have not been thinking about specific clubs because there has not been anything. After the international friendly (on 14th August) I would like to move on finally.”
In other news, West Brom boss Steve Clarke has confirmed the club’s interest in Manchester City attacker Scott Sinclair.
Sinclair, 24, has been linked with a move away from the Etihad Stadium after a disappointing debut season with the Sky Blues.
The 24-year-old winger, who is also reportedly attracting interest from Newcastle United and Southampton, made just two starts and 14 total appearances in all competitions for City last season.
“We’ve made an enquiry to Manchester City,” said Clarke. “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.”
Albion, and West Ham United, have also been linked with a £2.6 million move for Lille OSC winger Salomon Kalou, but Clarke expects the Ivorian to stay in France.
Cardiff sign Gary Medel
Premier League newcomers Cardiff City have completed the signing of Chile international midfielder Gary Medel from Sevilla FC on a four-year deal, according to the Bluebirds’ official website, www.cardiffcityfc.co.uk.
The deal, reportedly worth £11 million, has broken the club’s transfer record for the third time this summer following the arrivals of Andreas Cornelius from F.C. Copenhagen (£7.5 million) and Steven Caulker from Tottenham Hotspur (£8 million).
Slowly, but surely, Cardiff have strengthened their squad in every possible way, adding a defensive stopper in Caulker, a highly-rated striker in Cornelius and a “Pitbull” in midfield in Medel.
As expected, manager Malky Mackay (try saying that five times fast) is delighted with the club’s latest addition.
“We’re delighted to have secured the services of Gary – a tenacious and intelligent international midfielder,” said Mackay.
“Having had two seasons of regular football in La Liga – with 60 odd international caps to his name and three appearances at a World Cup – his experience will be an invaluable asset to our squad.
“He’s played in a number of Boca v River Plate derbies in Argentina – one of the world’s biggest derby matches – and I’ve no doubt that his background and pedigree will complement our midfield group in the Barclays Premier League.”
Medel, 26, tallied six goals and three assists in 32 league appearances for Sevilla last season.
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