Whites reject £1million-plus offer for Meite

6:20am Thursday 17th July 2008

Comments (2)   Have your say »

WANDERERS face a test of their resolve after turning down a £1million-plus bid from West Brom for Abdoulaye Meite.

Although the Ivory Coast international is seemingly destined for the exit door at the Reebok, Gary Megson’s own lack of defensive cover means he is unwilling to let him go at a knockdown price.

Aside from untested youngster Jaroslav Fojut, Wanderers only have Gary Cahill and Andy O’Brien to call on as specialist centre-halves – a factor which is likely to mean West Brom boss Tony Mowbray will have to increase his offer considerably if he is to bring the former Marseille man on board.

Hull City were knocked back earlier this month with a bid of similar size and have since switched their sights to other targets after being quoted a rumoured £3m for his services.

Meite’s refusal to play the second half of Wanderers’ game at Old Trafford in April, and consequent public condemnation from his manager would suggest he is unlikely to figure again for the club.

Any move could well pave the way for Megson to re-ignite his interest in Guinea international Bobo Balde, who has been told he can leave on a free transfer by Celtic.

Wanderers were heavily linked with the 32-year-old in January but the defender picked up an injury at the African Cup of Nations.