Baggies close on Chilean ace

Jara on his way to Hawthorns

By Patricio Figueroa   Last updated: 5th August 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Baggies close on Chilean ace

Jara: Baggies target

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

West Bromwich Albion are closing on the signing of Gonzalo Jara after Colo Colo agreed a deal to sell the Chile international.

Colo Colo coach Hugo Tocalli revealed earlier this month that an unnamed English side was tracking Jara, and now The Baggies have emerged as his suitors.

Roberto Di Matteo has been keeping close tabs on the defender, and is now close to concluding a deal worth £1.7million with Chile outfit Colo Colo.

Jara is a central defender, who can also play at right-back, and subject to international clearance should link up with his new club before the end of the week.

Tocalli wished Jara all the best and he immediately highlighted Empoli's Jorge Vargas as the man he wants to replace him.

"As the officials have confirmed that Jara has been transferred to an English team, I have asked them to bring in Vargas to replace him as soon as possible," said Tocalli.

"I wish Jara all the luck and I am sure that he is going to be a success in England as he is an excellent player and a very good professional.

"This is a step forward in his career and it will also give him more experience that then he will be able to bring to the Chilean national team."