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Report: West Bromwich Albion unlikely to pursue Jermain Defoe

By Joe Fish, Reporter | 05 August 2013

West Brom will not pursue their reported interest in Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe unless the England international became available on loan, according to a report.

West Bromwich Albion are apparently pessimistic about their chances of signing Jermain Defoe, despite reports suggesting that they were interested in the Tottenham Hotspur striker.

The arrival of £26m record signing Roberto Soldado at White Hart Lane on Monday dropped the England international striker down Andre Villas-Boas's attacking pecking order.

Spurs may also recruit another forward before the start of the new campaign, with Real Madrid youngster Alvaro Morata a possible target as part of the potential £100m part-exchange deal that would see Gareth Bale move in the opposite direction.

West Brom are trying to fill the goalscoring void left by Romelu Lukaku, who has returned to parent club Chelsea following his temporary spell with the Baggies last season, during which he netted 17 times.

However, Birmingham Mail reporter Chris Lepkowski understands that no offer has been made for Defoe, and that only a loan move would be a viable option for the Midlands side.

Lepkowski tweeted: "WBA definitely haven't made any approaches for Jermain Defoe. Unless he was to become available on a loan - unlikely - it's a non-starter."

Baggies boss Steve Clarke has already signed former Chelsea marksman Nicolas Anelka this summer, but is expected to allow striker Peter Odemwingie to leave the club.