Baggies hope for Odemwingie boost

26 July 2011 09:00

West Brom are hoping striker Peter Odemwingie will follow the example of key midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu, who has signed a new three year contract.

Mulumbu has put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at The Hawthorns until at least the summer of 2014. There is also the option of a further 12 months in the club's favour for Mulumbu, who was the player of the year and player's player of the year for the 2010-11 campaign.

Albion are also holding talks with Odemwingie, who was their leading scorer last season with 15 goals, over an improved contract.

But for now they are happy to secure the long term future of Mulumbu, who played a major role in ensuring Albion remained in the Barclays Premier League.

Baggies head coach Roy Hodgson said: "It is great that Youssouf has been rewarded for his efforts last season. It is great that we have been able to persuade him that his future lies with West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League.

"We're looking forward to seeing him build on his success of being named player of the season - and trying to confirm it again this season."

It is Mulumbu's third new contract in the past 13 months and a testimony to the rapid improvement he has made since moving to Albion from Paris St Germain.

Mulumbu formed a solid partnership with Paul Scharner in the centre of the park and finished as Albion's second highest scorer with seven goals last season.

Albion's sporting and technical director, Dan Ashworth said: "I can remember when Youssouf first joined us, practically unknown from PSG two-and-a-half years ago. He has come on in leaps and bounds since then.

"As we have previously stated, we are aiming to strengthen our squad this summer - not dismantle it - and we believe Youssouf will be a key player for us again this season. I'm sure he will now get his head down and continue the improvement he has shown since joining us."

Source: PA