West Brom drop out of Sanneh race

West Brom have abandoned attempts to sign Nurnberg defender Tony Sanneh after being upset by comments he is alleged to have made to the German media.

The Baggies had agreed a fee for the 31-year-old United States international.

But they have pulled out after Sanneh was quoted as saying that “I do not want to play for a club which is not as good as Nurnberg.”

West Brom managing director Brendon Batson said: “The player has made comments in the past regarding a proposed move to Albion. It now appears he has made further remarks to a German newspaper expressing his reluctance to join us.

“We’re obviously frustrated bearing in mind the amount of time and effort we have expended in negotiating with the club and the player.

“But, considering the team spirit that has been created at the club, we wouldn’t want to sign a player with that kind of attitude. We will now be exploring other options.”

Sanneh was quoted as saying: “I am not just an object. It was, and is clear that I do not want to play for a club which is not as good as Nurnberg.

“Should the club think I could help in the form of a transfer, then I will consider it, in the case of appropriate offers.”

It is another blow to Albion manager Gary Megson after Spanish international Roberto Rios decided to retire rather than move to the Hawthorns.

He has also missed out on Macedonian captain Artim Sakiri and it is looking less likely that he will be able to persuade Tim Sherwood to move from Tottenham.