West Brom's Bougherra's bid accepted by Charlton

Jul 30 2008

West Bromwich Albion are closing in on Charlton's Madjid Bougherra after having a bid - believed to be worth more than £2million - accepted for the defender.

Club officials are now poised to hold talks with the Algerian player who is also understood to be a target for Real Betis.

Baggies boss Tony Mowbray has stressed the need to bring in further new blood before the transfer window closes after signing Scott Carson, Marek Cech and Gianni Zuiverloon during the summer.

Bougherra is among those high on his list of priorities, with the opening Barclays Premier League game at Arsenal only two-and-a-half weeks away.

Former Hibernian boss Mowbray has kept tabs on Bougherra, a calm and composed type of defender, for a long time. He was linked with the player when he moved from Sheffield Wednesday to Charlton during the January 2007 transfer window.

Mowbray is also understood to be keen on another centre-back in Bolton's Abdoulaye Meite who is believed to be available to leave the Reebok Stadium.

Mowbray said: "We've got a few irons in the fire, to give you a cliche. I am not expecting all of them to come off but, if a few of them come off, then great.

"In an ideal world, you have all your players in before the season starts. But not many clubs get to that point unless you've got a championship-winning side that you just add little bits and pieces to.

"We've got to upgrade a team if we can so there are a few more to come in."

French-born Bougherra began his career with FC Gueugnon and had spells with Crewe and Wednesday prior to joining Charlton for £2.5million 18 months ago.