• Premier League

Hargreaves passes minor West Brom medical

ESPN staff
August 19, 2011
Owen Hargreaves made just 39 appearances for Manchester United © Getty Images
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Roy Hodgson has revealed Owen Hargreaves passed a "minor medical" in order to prove to West Brom that he can handle Premier League competition.

Hodgson has been very open in his admiration of the England international, who was arguably the nation's best holding midfielder before a series of injuries struck him down. Four years spent at Old Trafford saw Hargreaves make just 39 appearances, leading to his release from the club.

At 30 years of age, Hargreaves still has years left in him, and he met Hodgson and Albion's sporting director, Dan Ashworth, on Thursday to discuss a potential move. The toughest part, the medical examination, appears to have been passed so now the Baggies must agree personal terms.

"Dan has had further talks with him and the talks have been relatively positive," said Hodgson in the Guardian. "We believe he's capable of playing top-flight football again and we're very interested in him."

Asked whether Hargreaves had passed a medical, Hodgson replied: "A minor one, yes. If he was to join us of course he'd have a proper medical with all the scans. We haven't done that.

"If the day ever came when he was even close to signing a contract, he'd have to go through a more rigorous medical, but I quite firmly believe that he would just as easily pass that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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