It has been widely reported that Charlton Athletic have an accepted an offer in the region of £2 million for 22-cap Algerian centre-back Madjid Bougherra.
The Baggies are looking to add some much needed steel to the back-line after some defensively dodgy pre-season matches, and Tony Mowbray believes the French-born 6`3″ Bougherra is the man to shore-up the leaky back line.
With only attacking full-backs in Cech and Zuiverloon as the defensive additions so far, should this signing go ahead it will no doubt appease many of the fans who have been clamouring for additions at the heart of defence. At £2 million the deal also potentially represents more astute business on behalf of Jeremy Peace and TM, typifying their sensible, well-run approach – Bougherra cost Charlton £2.5m 18 months ago and has done nothing to diminish his reputation.
The 25 year old began his career with French side Guegnon, before moves to Crewe and Sheffield Wednesday. Mowbray was rumoured to be keen on bringing him to the Hawthorns when he plumped for a transfer to the Valley in January 2007, so the Baggies management will certainly be familiar with him.