West Brom step up hunt for strikers as Reid deal gets closer

Jul 31 2009 by Christopher Lepkowski, Birmingham Mail

ALBION are close to signing Rotherham United forward Reuben Reid and are still on the lookout for another striker.

The Baggies have been in talks with Reid after agreeing a fee of around £200,000 for the pacey 21-year-old, who scored 19 goals last season.

Reid has already met club officials and has even been given a tour of Albion’s facilities during those meetings, which took place on Wednesday and yesterday.

I understand Reid will not necessarily become an immediate first-team regular, but more of a squad player at this stage, although his pace will be a welcome asset.

Roberto Di Matteo is concerned about the lack of pace in his squad and is still very keen to sign another, more experienced, striker in the coming weeks.

Albion have, however, drawn a line under their pursuit of German international David Odonkor.

The injury-plagued Real Betis winger confirmed that he was close to securing a move to Albion but those comments are wide of the mark.

Albion did make an inquiry about the winger but they have decided to look elsewhere.

The Spanish club wanted a straight cash permanent deal of around £2million but the Baggies, mindful of his recent injury record, preferred a loan deal at this stage.

Odonkor joined Betis three years ago but has only played 40 times during that spell due to a succession of knee problems.

Meanwhile, Do-heon Kim has admitted that a lack of first-team games hindered his stay at Albion.

The Korean returned to his homeland to join Suwon Bluewings earlier this week.

"There were good things and bad about playing in Europe," he said.

"I was able to see for myself international football. On the other hand, I wanted to play many games but I wasn’t able to do that.

"But due to that experience, I will try to play well in the K-League."