Yossi Benayoun is in talks with West Bromwich Albion and a decision on where the Israeli captain will play next season is imminent.
Benayoun’s contract with Chelsea ends next week and he is eager to begin training with his new team in July.
The player’s agent, Ronen Katsav, has confirmed the interest from WBA but says there are other Premier League teams in contention, as well as offers from Spain, Germany and the MLS.
Katsav said: "Yossi has been playing in England for a long time now. It is like a second home to him so that’s where he’d rather stay."
WBA manager Steve Clarke who led the team to eighth place in the Premier League last season, is keen to sign Benayoun, 33, but the club is not prepared to offer a similar salary to the £80,000-a-week the Israeli was earning at Stamford Bridge and the midfielder’s salary demands could scupper the deal.
Benayoun, 33, has been training with Maccabi Haifa. He said: "It’s important for me to keep fit and I’ll be training for at least a week until I know where I’m playing next season so I can start with my new club in peak condition."
