By Carys Baptist
July 12 2004

WBA who launched a bid for Newcastle Uniteds out of favour striker Lomana Tresor Lua Lua have revealed just why it didn’t happen. And how Pompy are just waiting for him WBA who launched a bid for Newcastle Uniteds out of favour striker Lomana Tresor Lua Lua have revealed just why it didn’t happen. And how Pompy are just waiting for him.

According to West Brom Lua Lua was looking for a 50% increase in wage should he have moved to the Birmingham based club.

Apparently the move took place just last week when a sum of 2M was confirmed as well as offering to match his current wage and provide him with an extra year on the contract.

WBA officials this week spoke out about how they feel players think that their club isn’t quite premiership talent and that they need to prove they can survive amongst the big boys of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle.

Despite the worries that players may be looking to join a more established premier league club it hasn’t stopped them from showing great interest in the likes of Kanu, and Jonathon Greening.

LuaLua’s Agent spoke out about the deal

"West Brom have a big stadium but it was Portsmouth's personality that won him over.

"He believes they have the best fans in the country."

It looks like Lua Lua will finally make his way to Portsmouth this week along with Ricardo Fuller and David Unsworth

"Lomana has always wanted to come to Portsmouth and it looks 99% certain that he will.”

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West Brom Albion are now looking to sign Newcastle’s 2^nd keeper Steve Harper who has patiently waited his turn at Newcastle whilst Shay Given takes the limelight.

However WBA are only offering half of the1.5M price tag set by Newcastle. Steve Harper has been looking for first team football for years and after 8 years at Newcastle and several seasons of rumours about his departure – perhaps this will be the season he leaves to find regular matches.