West Brom place £8m tag on Odemwingie

Posted by admin Soccer, Sports Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

Despite the speculation linking Nigeria’s Osaze Odemwingie with a move from West Brom, the club on Monday attempted to put off potential suitors of the striker by putting an £8m price-tag on his head.

The striker has been heavily linked with Fulham this month while Championship promotion hopefuls West Ham are also said to be keen on the Eagles star, who has been in and out of the Baggies side so far this season.

Odemwingie, who scored an impressive 15 goals last season to help keep Albion in the top flight, has struggled to match that form this season at the Hawthorns and had a public row with boss Roy Hodgson before Christmas over the extent of a knee injury.

Before the row, Odemwingie had signed three-year improved contract with the club last August. It came amidst speculation that Arsenal could move for the 30-year-old. The agreement between the two clubs also came after Wigan made a £4m bid.

On Monday, Albion insisted Odemwingie is not for sale but if they receive an offer in excess of £8million then they may be tempted to sell.

Hodgson said, “There is no truth in it. We’ve had no contact with Fulham – or any other club – regarding Peter.

“He is not a player we want to sell and the story is a bit of a waste of breath to be honest. I’ve said many times that we don’t want to sell Peter (Osaze).”

Fulham boss Martin Jol has targeted the forward as a possible replacement for either Bobby Zamora or Andrew Johnson, who have both been linked with an exit from Craven Cottage this month, although he is likely to be put off by West Brom’s high asking price.

Report said Jol was ready to offer the Baggies £3m plus Chris Baird and Damien Duff for the Nigerian striker.

West Ham, who have also made an enquiry over Odemwingie, will likely baulk at a price tag of £8m.

-Punchwp_posts