West Brom have confirmed that Thomas Gaardsøe has passed his medical after agreeing personal terms at the Hawthorns yesterday. Meanwhile Town boss Joe Royle says that the decision to allow him to leave wasn't just financial.

West Brom boss Gary Megson commented on the signing of the 23-year-old: “We're really pleased to have Thomas on board. He's good in the air, quick on the ground and comfortable on the ball.”

The Midlands side have also revealed that the fee for Gaardsøe will potentially rise to £520,000 - less than had been reported locally. The initial fee is thought to be £500,000.

Town boss Joe Royle says that Gaardsøe's departure was not purely a money matter as he couldn't guarantee the Dane first-team football during the new season.

Royle told the club site that the pre-season form of the two new defensive signings put them ahead of the Dane: "It wasn't just a financial decision. After the way the two new lads, Drissa Diallo and Georges Santos, have come in and played, I could not guarantee Thomas regular first-team football.

"We do need to redress the state of play after signing the two lads and Kelvin Davis, all on a free, and when the opportunity came up for Thomas I said he had to look at it.

"He did well for us as a third defender last season but we have been looking at a flat back four this year and the two new lads have impressed me so far."

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