West Brom agree deal with Millwall for Dichio
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.West Bromwich Albion have accepted an offer from their First Division rivals Millwall for Danny Dichio which could net the club £500,000.
The deal is subject to Dichio agreeing personal terms with the Lions and passing a medical examination. The Baggies will be guaranteed £200,000 from the transfer, with a further £300,000 due on appearances.
The fee for the 29-year-old striker, whose contract at The Hawthorns runs out in the summer, could rise to £675,000 if he helps Millwall win promotion to the Premiership. Dichio has just completed a month's loan with Millwall in which he scored five goals in three games.
During Dichio's four-week spell at the New Den, the West Brom manager Gary Megson's striking options were boosted by the arrivals of Delroy Facey and Morten Skoubo. He can also call on the services of Geoff Horsfield, Lee Hughes, Rob Hulse - whose three-game ban ends on Saturday - and Scott Dobie, who has a knee injury.
The West Brom chairman, Jeremy Peace, said: "A lot has been written and said about the size of the fee we wanted for Danny but I am not the slightest bit embarrassed to say it is my duty as chairman to get the best possible deal for this football club. This principle applies whether we are buying or selling a player.
"Despite reports to the contrary, negotiations have gone smoothly between the Millwall chairman and me. Talks began on Friday and have now been concluded satisfactorily. Although we have a one-year option on Danny, we think this is an excellent financial deal."
As a favour to Dichio and Millwall, Albion extended the player's loan period by another month on Sunday in order to enable him to play in last night's rearranged FA Cup trip to Telford and a possible fifth-round tie against Burnley on Saturday.
The former Queen's Park Rangers striker would otherwise have been unavailable as players have to be registered at least seven days before the original date of an FA Cup tie - 17 January in the case of the Telford game - to be eligible.
Dichio joined Albion for £1.25m from Sunderland in November 2001 after impressing on loan. His first-team chances with Albion this season have been hampered by injury and he has failed to score in 14 appearances.
The London-born forward has scored 18 times in 76 appearances for Albion. His last outing for the club came in the 1-1 draw with West Ham United on 6 December.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments