Baggies put Hughes up for sale

Lee Hughes has been a prolific striker for West Brom

West Bromwich Albion have agreed to put striker Lee Hughes up for sale after failing to agree a new contract with the prolific front man.

The Baggies have been negotiating a new deal with Hughes for a number of weeks, but have been unable to agree terms.

Hughes has one year of his current deal left to run and would then be free to leave.

A club statement revealed that the new contract would have made Hughes the highest-paid player in the club's history.

Chairman Paul Thompson has now moved to invite offers for the player, rather than risk losing him on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Lee is a terrific footballer and is undoubtedly the best striker in the First Division

West Brom chairman Paul Thompson

"The club has confirmed that it will give serious consideration to any substantial offer which we receive for Lee Hughes," the statement added.

The 25-year-old scored 23 goals last season as Albion reached the First Division play-offs.

Midlands rivals Birmingham and Wolves are among the clubs ready to fight it out for his signature.

Hughes' agent Neil Fewings would only say: "There has been a statement put out by the club and we have got nothing to add to that."

"Superb service"

But Baggies chairman Thompson expects a queue of clubs aiming to sign the striker.

He said: "Obviously Premiership sides will be interested in him but there are some excellent teams in the First Division and one of those might be right for Lee if the offer is right."

"We are all very disappointed. Lee is a terrific footballer and is undoubtedly the best striker in the First Division.

"He has given superb service to the club and has scored twenty-plus goals a season for us, so obviously we're bitterly disappointed."