Bartley: I knew this was the place I wanted to be
ALBION have completed the signing of defender Kyle Bartley from Swansea City. The 27-year-old becomes Darren Moore’s second signing as head coach and joins for a fee of around £4 million, rising to £6 million with add-ons.
The former Arsenal trainee, who has been frustrated by a lack of game-time in South Wales, will bolster Moore’s options at centreback.
“I’m absolutely delighted has joined us,” said Moore.
“He’s got great presence about him and I am looking forward to working with him.”
Bartley added: “After speaking with Darren I knew this was the place I wanted to be. He let me know his ideas for the season and the next few years, his ambitions for the club and he told me about the fanbase and the facilities. I’m hoping to be involved quickly.”
Bartley joins goalkeeper Sam Johnstone at The Hawthorns after he signed from Manchester United for £6 million.
Meanwhile, Burnley are believed to have cooled their interest in Albion defender Craig Dawson.
The Baggies’ £20 million valuation of the player is too high for the Clarets and they are set to look elsewhere.
A report claims Burnley have learned that Dawson is looking for a wage of £75,000 a week. He wants to quit The Hawthorns for either Burnley or West Ham. Burnley offered around £12 million but it has been rejected by Albion.
With Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley already gone from The Hawthorns, Albion fear someone will also match the £10m clause in Kyle Ahmed Hegazi’s contract, leaving Dawson as their only central defender. He has made 153 topflight appearances and scored 12 goals.
And Albion have completed the signing of Jonathan Bond on a free transfer.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper becomes Albion’s second signing of Monday, after the arrival of Kyle Bartley.
Bond, 25, was released by Reading this summer having spent last season on loan at League One Peterborough.
Also formerly of Watford, the stopper has previously loan spells too at Bury, Dagenham & Redbridge and Gillingham.
“This is a Premier League club and that’s what we’ve got to concentrate on – getting ourselves back up there,” said Bond. “The facilities are great, the people are great... the Championship is a tough league but I believe it’s an exciting season ahead.”
Bond joins Johnstone at The Hawthorns as the Baggies’ goalkeeping department undergoes a transformation.
Though the pair have directly replaced Ben Foster and Boaz Myhill, goalkeeping coach Neil Cutler has revealed the club are on the look-out for a third senior stopper – and that will allow young Alex Palmer to head back out on loan.
“I want a group of three competitive keepers who are d able to push each other every day,” Cutler said.
“I have tracked Jonathan’s career through from his involvement in the England set-up and he’s one who has got real potential.
“He’s got experience of the Championship and knows the top two divisions and fits what we want in terms of work ethic.”