West Brom sign Argentina international Claudio Yacob on three-year deal

West Brom manager Steve Clarke believes new signing Claudio Yacob will bring something new to his squad after signing the Argentina international midfielder on a free transfer, subject to international clearance.

The midfielder had been training with the Baggies following his release by Argentinian Primera Division outfit Racing Club de Avellaneda at the end of last season and he has now signed a three-year contract at the Hawthorns after passing a medical.

He joins England goalkeeper Ben Foster and season-long loan signing Yassine El Ghanassy as a new arrival this summer.

Clarke, who has taken over as West Brom head coach after Roy Hodgson left to take charge of England, was overjoyed with his new acquisition.

"I'm delighted to welcome Claudio to the club," Clarke told the club's official website.

"He is an Argentina international with a real desire to prove himself in the Premier League and it's great to have him on board.

"Claudio's got different qualities to the other midfielders we've got at the club and he should complement the squad very well.

"It will take him a little bit of time to adjust to the demands of the English game and he's also got to learn our language, but we hope to have him up and running for the start of the season."

Yacob joined West Brom's pre-season training camp in Malmo with a view to making a permanent switch to the midlands club.

The 25-year-old began his career with Racing in 2006, was appointed captain two years later and has won two international caps, scoring against Ecuador in a friendly last year.

Sporting & technical director Dan Ashworth said: "I'm really pleased we've been able to recruit a player of Claudio's calibre.

"He's been a one-club man in Argentina up to now, having broken into Racing's first team at 17 and being appointed as their captain while still in his teens.

"To achieve that at Argentina's third or fourth biggest club, and then break into the national team with the wealth of talent his country have to choose from, is no mean feat.

"Claudio joins us with a great CV and is a terrific passer of the ball."

PA