Eleven players out says West Brom chairman
May 22 2009 by Chris Lepkowski
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace has confirmed that the first-team squad will be cut by 11 players this summer - as he prepares to finalise the permanent signings of Youssouf Mulumbu and Juan-Carlos Menseguez.
Speaking to the Birmingham Mail, Peace confirmed that he intended to take up the option on both loan players but that there would be several departures this summer to reduce a 31-man squad down to just 20 players.
Paris Saint Germain midfielder Mulumbu is set to sign in a deal worth about £130,000, with the San Lorenzo winger's move also expected to be tied up, although his transfer fee remains undisclosed.
"We have an option to acquire both players at the end of May and we hope to exercise both options - we hope both players will join," Peace told the Birmingham Mail.
"They will be permanent deals."
Barry Ferguson is also on Albion's radar and Peace admitted that the Rangers midfielder would be a consideration if the Ibrox club were to make him available this summer.
Peace feels Albion's squad needs reducing - but aims for quality over quantity, ensuring the club's best players remain at The Hawthorns.
But Albion's hopes of signing Marc-Antoine Fortune appear bleak, with Carl Hoefkens, Pele and Jared Hodgkiss also due to be released next week.
Loan duo Ryan Donk and Jay Simpson will return to AZ Alkmaar and Arsenal respectively, while Roman Bednar's situation has yet to be resolved following his suspension.
