Dorrans commits to West Brom as Valero leaves
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Your support makes all the difference.West Brom have been boosted by Graham Dorrans' decision to sign a new four-year deal with the club but fellow midfielder Borja Valero will not be joining him in the Premier League after agreeing a loan switch to Villarreal.
Dorrans had been the subject of three bids by West Ham - overtures described by Albion as "unwelcome and unsuccessful - but is now committed to the Baggies until 2015, with the option of an additional year.
But Valero, the club's £4.7million record signing when he arrived two summers ago, will not be back having penned a deal with the Primera Division outfit with a view to a permanent switch.
Scotland international Dorrans was key to the Baggies' promotion from the Championship last season, scoring 18 goals to top the club's scoring charts, and duly attracted the attention of other top-flight sides.
West Ham formally declared their interest but were rebuffed on three occasions, with Albion desperate to retain their first-choice players for next season.
A club statement confirming Dorrans had signed the new deal described the Hammers' interest as "unwelcome and unsuccessful".
West Brom head coach Roberto Di Matteo said: "I'm delighted Graham has signed a new long-term contract, which is fully deserved.
"He made excellent progress last season and we're now very hopeful he can make the step up to the Premier League.
"There has been a lot of media speculation about Graham's future but it hasn't affected him one bit.
"Ever since he has reported back for pre-season training, his attitude has been as spot on as it always is and I know for a fact how much he's looking forward to the new season.
"The exciting thing is that Graham knows he still has a lot of work to do and is yet to reach his full potential."
Dorrans joined the midlands club from Partick in July 2008 for £150,000 and quickly made an impact to force his way into the first XI.
Valero, 25, cost significantly more when he joined from Real Mallorca, the club besting the £3.5million paid for Robert Earnshaw by £1.2million.
The move was not an ideal fit for player or club and after 36 goalless appearances he was loaned back to Mallorca last term.
Valero returned to West Brom earlier this month and informed the club he wished to remain in Spain, with Villarreal stepping in with a deal.
Baggies sporting and technical director Dan Ashworth said: "On the back of an outstanding season in Spain and taking into account his professional and personal wishes, we decided to accept an offer from Villarreal.
"I'd like to thank Borja for his contribution and his professional attitude throughout the last two years.
"We wish him well over the coming season."
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