ROBERTO Di Matteo has conceded Albion are no nearer to bringing in John Carew – with Peter Odemwingie struggling to be fit for Saturday’s game against Blackpool.

Odemwingie has yet to train properly since twisting his ankle against Fulham last week.

He missed the FA Cup defeat at Reading with Di Matteo admitting the player may not be ready for the visit of Ian Holloway’s men.

And the Baggies boss feels that time is against them in their pursuit of Villa striker Carew, who was close to joining last week only for Emile Heskey to be red-carded and given a three-match ban.

There is a paucity of options elsewhere, with the Italian claiming that very few suitable, and affordable, players are made available by clubs during the January window.

Speaking about Carew, Di Matteo told the Birmingham Mail: “There is absolutely no news. We’ve been working on January for a long time. It’s the same for every club.

“They are all chasing good players and a striker. It’s the same for us.

“It’s not like we are sitting on our backsides and waiting.

“But sometimes there is just a lack of options.