West Bromwich Albion manager Steve Clarke has admitted that he has ended his pursuit of former Chelsea star Salomon Kalou.

The Baggies were interested in signing the Ivory Coast international, but Clarke concedes that the forward wants to remain in France.

"I don't think anybody has been able to persuade Salomon to come out of France," Clarke told the Birmingham Mail.

"The closer you get to the start of our season, the closer you get to the start of the French season. It doesn't look as if that one will happen, but that's normal in any transfer window.

"It's not just us who can't persuade him. A few clubs wanted him."

West Brom beat Bologna 2-0 today in their final pre-season friendly.