Boss comments on rejected QPR bid and defender's release clause
STEVE Clarke has confirmed Albion have rejected out of hand a bid from QPR for Jonas Olsson – and insisted: “He’s not for sale.”The Baggies boss was reacting to questions at today’s pre-match press conference, when he also reiterated the club intend to keep the first-team squad intact.
“A bid came in from QPR for Jonas,” said Clarke.
“We turned it down flat and we don’t encourage anymore bids because he’s not for sale.
“We don’t want to sell anyone.
“At this moment in time, I’m happy with the squad and we’re in a position where we don’t have to sell anybody.
“For us, it’s not a difficult situation – it’s easy to say no.”
Clarke was also quizzed about media speculation that Olsson has a release clause in his contract.
The Sweden international only committed his long-term future to the club by signing a new-and-improved four-year contract three months ago.
Clarke clarified the situation by explaining: “There is a clause in Jonas’ contract that comes into play during the summer window, but there are only six clubs that can invoke it.
“I think Jonas just wanted to put something in his contract that maybe gave him the possibility to play for some big clubs in the Premier League.
“But the clause is not in play during the January window – and I’m not concerned about the summer.
“We spent a long time trying to get Jonas to sign a new deal and that tells you he is happy and comfortable here, and wants to be part of the future.
“He knows we’re heading in the right direction because he plays here and knows the club is in a good place.
“He has seen the evolution and progress of the club during his time here.”