West Brom refute Yacob deal claims

West Brom have strongly denied suggestions of any wrongdoing in their signing of midfielder Claudio Yacob.

The Argentina international arrived in the Premier League at the start of the 2012-13 season from Racing Club, joining West Brom on a free transfer.

However, reports emerged this week alleging that two ‘unlicensed’ Argentine agents had been used to help broker the deal, with both said to be claiming that they were subsequently not paid for their services.

The club have since denied those claims, insisting that the representatives involved in the transfer were registered with governing body FIFA, and that the transfer was entirely above board.

A statement from West Brom, reported by The Express and Star, confirmed: “As with all of our transfer dealings, the negotiation process regarding the signing of Claudio Yacob complied fully with all FIFA and FA rules and regulations.

“All negotiations were conducted and concluded directly with a FIFA-registered agent.”

The 25-year-old failed to score in 29 Premier League appearances for Steve Clarke’s side last season.