WBA vs. Norwich City for Darren Huckerby's signature!

[DevilDave]

With Albion already expecting to sort out a contract with Geoff Horsfield, now comes word that Manchester City have accepted a bid by Albion for Darren Huckerby.

The difference this time, however, is that Citeh have also accepted a bid from our promotion rivals Norwich City, with whom Huckerby has spent the last few months on loan. It will be up to Huckerby and his agent to determine whether he joins the Baggies or the Canaries.

If we are able to land both Horsfield and Huckerby - or even one of the two - I don't think anyone can possibly accuse the Albion of a lack of ambition.

But we could still use a bit better quality in midfield, IMO.

[DevilDave]

There's no report of any decision yet, but several sources are reporting that Huckerby has been offered more pay per week by Norwich than by Albion. That, plus the fact that he has endeared himself to the fans at Carrow Road during his loan spell there, suggests he might be more inclined to sign on with the Canaries.

[DevilDave]

Of course there is the possibility he could stay put at City... or could go to a Premiership team.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/3320517.stm

[DevilDave]

Sources including the Norwich City site indicate Darren Huckerby was at Carrow Road with his agent today to discuss personal terms. No official word yet on if he has signed with the Canaries, or if and when he will be at The Hawthorns to talk with Albion.

The interesting thing is that two of the clubs with whom Manchester City have agreed a transfer fee for Hucks have just signed a new forward from another club - we just stabled the Horse, while Norwich just signed Mathias Svensson from Charlton.

[DevilDave]

Originally posted by DevilDave
No official word yet on if he has signed with the Canaries, or if and when he will be at The Hawthorns to talk with Albion.

Sorry... I was wrong! I happened to catch a link to this article on the Ipswich boards: http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/content/Sport/story.asp?datetime=19+Dec+2003+15%3A58&tbrand=ENOnline&tCategory=SPORT&category=Sport&brand=ENOnline&itemid=NOED19+Dec+2003+15%3A58%3A32%3A957

Huckerby will be at The Hawthorns Monday to discuss terms. So Norwich are talking to him first. But being the second club to talk to him might be an advantage, if we are able not only to match/exceed what the Canaries might offer, but also meet whatever his wage demands might be.

My only hope is that Megson and Peace don't break the bank to sign him, especially as we are trying to finalise a contract extension with Jason Koumas.

[John Boy]

Doesn't look like he's coming...

http://www.wba.premiumtv.co.uk/page/Home/0,,10366,00.html


Have a very Merry Koumas, and a happy N'Dour everyone!

[DevilDave]

Well we probably won't get him, but hopefully Norwich won't either. Apparently, he's holding out for the opening of the European transfer window next week to see if any Premiership clubs might be interested. I would be surprised if he signs with the Canaries before he's had a chance to gauge top flight interest.