23rd August 2004: All is quiet,
at least officially, regarding more signings at the Hawthorns other
than to say that they are working hard to bring in four new players
before next Tuesday's deadline.
Wednesday's opponents, however, look to be on the verge of completing
the signing of former Albion target Michael Carrick, and he could
make his debut at the Hawthorns. There are also reports that they
have agreed a fee for Nice right-back Noe Parmarot to fill the one
place where they are definitely short of experience with 17-year-old
Phil Ifil starting their first two games this season. That could also
be completed in time for there to be another debutant on Wednesday.
More concerning is the possibility that Robbie Keane may be fit enough
for a place on the bench. The former Dingle scored three times in
the two matches against Spurs two seasons ago, so he is not a player
I would relish seeing on the Hawthorns pitch on Wednesday evening.
Slightly better news for the Baggies is that Freddie Kanoute is struggling
to be fit.
Elsewhere in the Premiership, newly promoted Crystal Palace are reported
to have put in bids for Inter Milan players Kily Gonzalez and Gonzalo
Sorondo. It would be a major coup if they could pull off the deals,
particularly for Gonzalez, but I'd imagine that wages may be a problem
- we will wait and see. They certainly need something after the disappointing
result at home to Everton on Saturday - with the Toffees tipped to
struggle this season, it was a game they would have put in the must
win category in their plan to stay up. Their 'keeper, Julian Speroni,
obviously had other ideas.... Another thing that was clear from that
match is that Thomas Gravesen would be a useful addition to many Premiership
squads, not least our own if he could be persuaded to join the resurgent
Baggies! Surely the chance to be around a couple of fellow Danes is
enough temptation?
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