West Bromwich Albion FC

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• Manager:Roy Hodgson

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Makukula in Baggies talks

13 Jan 2009 - 13:21:05

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West Bromwich Albion are believed to be close to sealing a deal to sign Benfica striker Ariza Makukula on loan.

The 27-year-old DR Congo-born Portugal international is reportedly in talks over a switch to The Hawthorns until the end of the season.

Makukula has struggled to establish himself in the Benfica first team following his £3million arrival from Sevilla 12 months ago.

The tall striker had been a prolific scorer during several seasons in the top two divisions of the Spanish league for the likes of Salamanca, Valladolid and Gimnastic.

Benfica's official website claims that the Baggies will also have the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Marek Cech wants to leave the club after claiming he has been 'lied to' by manager Tony Mowbray.

The Slovakian left-back claimed Mowbray promised to play him against Aston Villa last weekend only to name Paul Robinson - who returned from suspension - in the starting line-up.

"I feel like I've been lied to," said Cech, who joined the Baggies last summer from FC Porto.

"I felt I'd played well enough in the two previous games to play against Aston Villa, but the manager decided to pick Robinson, which I feel was wrong.

"As far as I'm concerned, I want to leave West Bromwich. I haven't been given the opportunities to play that I believe I warrant."