Albion go cold on Chilean ace; Jara chase abandoned as Baggies shop around.Byline: Chris Lepkowski ALBION have dropped their interest in Gonzalo Jara Gonzalo Jara (born May 29, 1985) is a Chilean defender, who currently plays for Chilean club Colo-Colo. He made his professional debut in 2005. He has also made appearances with the Chilean national team. and decided to look elsewhere. The Baggies were expected to complete the pounds 1.3 million signing of the Chilean defender sometime this week but abandoned their pursuit last night, despite the player already being in England. It is possible Albion may yet return for Jara at a future date but, for now, have opted to search for other targets. The Baggies want to prioritise their funds towards areas of the pitch where there is a greater need for strengthening. Those include both full-back positions and up front, where the loss of Ishmael Miller Ishmael Anthony Miller (born March 5 1987 in Manchester, England) is an English footballer who currently plays for West Bromwich Albion, on loan from Manchester City. Miller was a striker in youth and reserve football, but first played for the Manchester City first team as an and continued suspension of Roman Bednar are not helping Roberto Di Matteo's plans for the new season. Jara, though highly rated by coach Di Matteo, could occupy several positions but his strongest place was at the centre of defence. Albion are already well-stocked with centre-halves, with Jonas Olsson For the footballer born in 1983, see . Jonas Olsson (born 14 January 1970) is a Swedish football manager and former player. He currently manages IFK Göteborg together with Stefan Rehn. , Leon Barnett Leon Peter Barnett (born 30 November 1985 in Luton, England) is a professional footballer with West Bromwich Albion in Football League Championship. Although primarily a central defender, he has also played at left back, right back, centre midfield and up front. , Abdoulaye Meite and Shelton Martis Shelton Martis (born 29 November 1982 in Willemstad, Netherlands Antilles) is a Dutch football defender currently playing for West Bromwich Albion. He previously played for SBV Excelsior before joining English League Two club Darlington in 2005. vying for first-team selection. Neil Clement is also not too far away from making a first-team return. Di Matteo hopes to have Clement, the club's longest-serving player, back in action soon, although James Morrison remains sidelined. "Clem is doing some fitness work so he hasn't started any ball work," he told the Birmingham Mail. "Hopefully he will be back soon. We hope he will be the strong defender that we know. "As for James, he still hasn't started his training. "It's dragging on but there's nothing we can do. It's difficult to give a time frame. It could be five days, maybe more." Meanwhile, Di Matteo revealed that Miller's situation, and the uncertainty over Bednar's future, could mean a move for another striker, with Jermaine Beckford of Leeds being linked with a move to The Hawthorns yesterday. "We are considering our options," added Di Matteo. "I doubt we'll find another Ishmael Miller but, yes, we will see what situation is. "I've sat down and spoken to him a few times already. It's not easy. He seems positive and the operation's gone well but there's a long way yet. "He's probably in a better position than when the injury first happened but he's still a very big loss to this team. "He's a great striker and we will miss him." CAPTION(S): Gonzalo Jara. |
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