Hammers handed Dorrans blow

West Brom midfielder Graham Dorrans has ended speculation over his future by signing a new four-year deal with the Baggies to keep him at the Hawthorns until 2015 (West Brom – 4/5 to be relegated next season).

The Scotland international had been a summer target of West Ham, with Albion turning down three bids from the Londoners for the 23-year-old.

He only agreed a new deal with the Baggies in January but, underlining how desperate Roberto Di Matteo was to hold on to him, Dorrans was offered fresh terms and he has now penned a new four-year contract with the option of a further year after that.

The midfielder scored 18 goals in all competitions to help West Brom (40/1 to be top Midlands club next term) win promotion back up to the Premier League last season and Di Matteo is looking forward to building a team around him in the top flight.

“I’m delighted Graham has signed a new long-term contract, which is fully deserved,” the boss said on the club’s website.

“He made excellent progress last season and we’re now very hopeful he can make the step up to the Premier League.

“There has been a lot of media speculation about Graham’s future, but it hasn’t affected him one bit.

“Ever since he has reported back for pre-season training, his attitude has been as spot on as it always is and I know for a fact how much he’s looking forward to the new season.”

He added: “The exciting thing is that Graham knows he still has a lot of work to do and is yet to reach his full potential.”

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