Albion talk again to Owen Hargreaves

Albion are hopeful of signing Owen Hargreaves after the former England midfielder held more "positive" talks over a move to the Hawthorns.

Baggies sporting director Dan Ashworth held a second round of contract discussions with the 30-year-old this week, who is looking to re-launch his career after injury.

And Albion are quietly confident they can tempt him to the West Midlands, despite predicting competition from rival clubs.

The Baggies offered the former Manchester United man a contract last week, after club doctor Mark Gillett confirmed Hargreaves has recovered fully from the serious knee injury that prompted his release from Old Trafford.

And boss Roy Hodgson said: "Dan has had further talks with him and the talks have been relatively positive. We believe he's capable of playing top flight football again and we're very interested in him.

"If a quality of player like Owen has shown he is fit to play again I would expect a lot of competition."

Hargreaves moved to United for £17million from Bayern Munich in 2007 but he made just 26 starts for the Red Devils, with his four years at Old Trafford blighted by injuries.

However, Albion are certain his fitness problems are behind him after Hargreaves spent several months training in Canada with LA Lakers physio Alex McKechnie.

Hodgson said: "If the day ever came he was even close to signing a contract he would have to go through a more rigorous medical, but I quite firmly believe that he would just as easily pass that.

"Alex and Owen were keen to show the doctor that the knee was fine."

Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha has also emerged as an outside candidate to fill the final defensive berth in Albion's squad.

The Baggies, who are keen to add one more defender, have enquired about the 24-year-old and a deal remains possible.

But others, including Birmingham defender Liam Ridgewell, are thought to be more likely targets.

[24link]