West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie has urged the club's fans to be patient with him as he negotiates a new contract and has insisted he is not angling for a move away.
The 30-year-old joined the Baggies last summer on a two-year deal and was an instant hit, netting 15 goals to help the club comfortably avoid relegation.
His impact on the Barclays Premier League has made him a target for other clubs, with Wigan having seen an offer rejected, and his failure to sign a new deal has seen the speculation increase.
Odemwingie, though, insisted it is the duration of the contract that is an issue not his wages and that he would only be tempted away by a top club.
The Nigeria international wrote on Twitter: "To my dear WBA supporters . I love this club and will leave only to a TOP team which is understandable. Nothing abnormal is going on.
"Contract is not signed cos of the duration of it. Figures agreed long time ago cos I know this is not real madrid . Please be patient."
Odemwingie missed Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener against Manchester United because of an ankle injury and is a major doubt for Saturday's trip to Chelsea.
The striker added: "Started running today [Wednesday]. Optimistic me says I ll be ok for saturday with magic from the doctor though ."
Coach Michael Appleton was more cautious about Odemwingie's chances of being involved at Stamford Bridge.
He told the club's official website: "Peter has a 50/50 chance of training at the end of the week.
"Whether we involve him straight away in the game is a decision the gaffer and staff will make nearer the time.
"We still have three days before the game so if he plays any part on Saturday it will be a bonus."
Jerome Thomas is almost certain to miss out with a hip and thigh problem but Steven Reid and Gareth McAuley should be available after injury and illness, respectively.
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The 30-year-old joined the Baggies last summer on a two-year deal and was an instant hit, netting 15 goals to help the club comfortably avoid relegation.
His impact on the Barclays Premier League has made him a target for other clubs, with Wigan having seen an offer rejected, and his failure to sign a new deal has seen the speculation increase.
Odemwingie, though, insisted it is the duration of the contract that is an issue not his wages and that he would only be tempted away by a top club.
The Nigeria international wrote on Twitter: "To my dear WBA supporters . I love this club and will leave only to a TOP team which is understandable. Nothing abnormal is going on.
"Contract is not signed cos of the duration of it. Figures agreed long time ago cos I know this is not real madrid . Please be patient."
Odemwingie missed Sunday's Barclays Premier League opener against Manchester United because of an ankle injury and is a major doubt for Saturday's trip to Chelsea.
The striker added: "Started running today [Wednesday]. Optimistic me says I ll be ok for saturday with magic from the doctor though ."
Coach Michael Appleton was more cautious about Odemwingie's chances of being involved at Stamford Bridge.
He told the club's official website: "Peter has a 50/50 chance of training at the end of the week.
"Whether we involve him straight away in the game is a decision the gaffer and staff will make nearer the time.
"We still have three days before the game so if he plays any part on Saturday it will be a bonus."
Jerome Thomas is almost certain to miss out with a hip and thigh problem but Steven Reid and Gareth McAuley should be available after injury and illness, respectively.
more..
