Carew opts for Stoke as Baggies left empty handed

It had all looked so promising on Wednesday evening when the Baggies were given the go ahead by Aston Villa to try to sign John Carew. However, Albion were left disappointed as Stoke City made a late bid for the frontman. Carew agreed personal terms and passed medicals at both clubs but he opted to join Stoke City late last night.

Although putting a brave face on things Roberto Di Matteo has been left devastated after losing out on Carew. The official line is that there are several irons in the fire but behind the scenes there are real concerns that the forward line may not be strengthened. However, Dan Ashworth and his team will be working feverishly over the next week to try to bring a new forward into the club as there remain doubts over Peter Odemwingie’s fitness.

Many are seeing this transfer window as crucial to the Baggies chances of staying up so let’s hope that a quality forward can be found to help share Peter’s burden.