As good as signed....
http://www.birminghammail.net/birmingham-sport/west-bromwich-albion-fc/west-bromwich-albion-fc-news/2012/07/23/west-bromwich-albion-claudio-yacob-jets-into-malmo-97319-31453122/2/CLAUDIO Yacob has joined up with Steve Clarke’s men in Malmo as Albion go through the final throes of completing the Argentinian’s free transfer. The 25-year-old trained with Albion after jetting into Sweden yesterday morning.
The midfielder joined in with first-team activities during last night’s session before spending a short time doing one-on-one work with fitness staff.
Albion hope to complete his permanent move in the coming days with the player having already signed a pre-contractual agreement last week.
Speaking about Yacob’s training spell, Albion’s sporting & technical director Dan Ashworth said: “This will give Claudio the chance to take a closer look at us, and us at him.”
Brazilian club Botafogo considered a late approach for the player on Friday but opted against a move.
There was also speculation in the south American press that Yacob was having second thoughts due to British tax regulations.
Those proved to be unfounded.
Yacob made his debut for Racing Club de Avellaneda back in November 2006.
He was selected to join the Argentina U20 squad for the 2007 South American Youth Championships in Paraguay and was also part of the team that won the 2007 FIFA U20 World Cup in Canada.
The thrice-capped senior international, who had been Racing Club’s captain for the last four years, had previously been linked with Arsenal.
His strengths are said to be as a defensive midfielder, initiating offensive moves from deep positions.