West Brom adandon Djemba-Djemba interest

West Brom have abandoned their interest in signing former Manchester United and Aston Villa midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba on medical grounds.

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo was hopeful of landing the Cameroon international after holding talks with the player this week.

Djemba-Djemba, who is currently with BK Odense, watched Albion in action in last night's friendly at Doncaster.

But the club this morning released a statement confirming they will not be attempting to sign Djemba-Djemba.

It reads: "West Brom have decided not to pursue their interest in Odense midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba.

"He travelled to England to meet the club earlier this week.

"But, following medical tests and further talks between the clubs, Albion have decided not to proceed with a deal."

It is unclear what the precise problem is but West Brom clearly felt it was too great a risk to take a chance on the player who made only a limited impact at Old Trafford and Villa Park.

Di Matteo is aware that he has to bring in more new blood before the season starts and a striker is a priority.

Roman Bednar, Luke Moore and Simon Cox are all struggling for fitness and a bid to sign Liverpool's David N'Gog on loan looks to have failed.

Di Matteo said: "It is a big concern to us at the moment. We are working on things but it's difficult. Everyone is after a striker.

"I've been saying since the end of last season that we need more players."

Ishmael Miller is the only experienced fit striker at present and Di Matteo has been linked with moves for Stoke's James Beattie and PSV Eindhoven's Marcus Berg.