Baggies chief hopeful over Hargreaves

19 August 2011 10:00
Owen Hargeaves is edging closer to joining West Brom and Roy Hodgson backed him to pass a 'rigorous medical' at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies boss was still on a high after confirming that in-demand striker Peter Odewmingie had signed a new deal to keep him at the club until summer 2014 following a summer of protracted talks, when he made the revelation about Hargreaves.

The injury-plagued 30-year-old England international, who was restricted to just 27 appearances in a four-year spell at Manchester United, is available on a free contract following his release from Old Trafford at the end of last season.

Hodgson expressed an interest after Hargreaves posted videos on Youtube proving he was over his fitness problems and that resulted in discussions between Albion's technical director Dan Ashworth and the player.

Further 'positive' negotiations have now taken place and Hodgson feels Hargreaves could soon be part of his squad, while he allayed any fears about his fitness.Hodsgon told the club's website: "We believe he's capable of playing top-flight football again and we're very interested in him."

When asked if Hargreaves had undergone a medical, he added: "A minor one, yes. If he was to join us of course he'd have a proper medical with all the scans. We haven't done that."He came to visit with Alex McKechnie, the man who's been largely credited with supervising his revival and our expert here, Mark Gillett [the club doctor], looked at him and agreed."If the day ever came when he was even close to signing a contract, he'd have to go through a more rigorous medical, but I quite firmly believe that he would just as easily pass that. Alex and Owen were keen to show the doctor that the knee was fine."

Source: DSG