West Brom step up Tongo Doumbia chase

West Bromwich Albion are ready to step up talks with Rennes midfielder Tongo Doumbia with the Mali international claiming he has decided to move to The Hawthorns.

Doumbia is expected to travel to England in the next few days for talks over a move to Premier League and appears to have set his sights on joining the Baggies.

A deal between the Baggies and Rennes is believed to be some way from completion despite increasing indications from France that a transfer is in the offing.

But confidence is growing that an agreement can be reached with the 6ft 3in tall midfield man claiming he has rejected overtures from more established Premier clubs including Arsenal to pursue a move to Albion.

"I felt more desire there," he told French journalists. "Obviously, it is less glamorous than Arsenal but I'll be able to continue my progress. I will have more chances to play.

"This (Premier League) is a championship that thrills everybody. I hope this is the beginning of a great adventure."