Rivals in for Trotters defender

West Brom have joined the race to sign Bolton defender Abdoulaye Meite who is up for grabs at £3million this summer.

The Ivory Coast international has been told by Trotters boss Gary Megson that he is surplus to requirements at the Reebok Stadium and the newly promoted Baggies are said to be keen.

Hull City have already declared their interest in the player but Tigers boss Phil Brown has baulked at Bolton's asking price and has switched his attentions elsewhere.

Megson is keen to get rid of the player after he refused to go out for the second half at Manchester United last season. Meite claimed he was injured but the Bolton medical staff said he was fit to continue and Megson froze him out for the rest of the season.