Jan 25, 2013 11:29 PM EST
EPL Transfer News: Odemwingie Trying to Force Move to QPR; Newcastle Complete Another French Signing in Sissoko

Peter Odemwingie has pleaded with West Brom to let him leave the club after having a transfer request turned down, while Newcastle confirmed the signing of their fifth French player this month with Moussa Sissoko completing his move.

West Brom, who are eighth in the English Premier League turned down an offer from Queens Park Rangers earlier this month, and Odemwingie is clearly not happy with the situation, with the forward wanting to discuss the possibility of a move to the Premier League's bottom side.

"I'm deeply hurt and in some ways offended by the lack of reciprocal common respect from the management of West Bromwich Albion," Odemwingie said in a statement.

"During my time at the club I believe I have delivered performances, effort and goals.

"I never complained when I found out that the club failed to inform me of enquiries that might have interested me and my family in the past.

"Everyone knows how much effort and commitment I always give when I play for the club. The fans have been great with me and I will always respect them.

"Some may say I have contributed, along with all my team mates, to the survival of the club in the Premier League in recent seasons.

"At this stage of my career, this opportunity may not come around again. A new challenge, a new opportunity, and a chance to play under the stewardship of one of the most respected managers in the game (Harry Redknapp).

"I hope the management of West Bromwich Albion will accept my transfer request in the manner that I have requested it.

"West Bromwich Albion may argue that I am too vital a member of the team to allow me to leave now but I could argue that team selection so far this season has not reflected that and there is more than adequate cover for my position currently in the squad, culminating in my playing out of position.

"I have not taken this decision lightly and I would like West Bromwich Albion to accept what, in my opinion, is more than a reasonable offer from QPR for me."

West Brom sporting director Richard Garlick said the club would not be selling Odemwingie.

"Peter is hugely popular with our supporters and it is disappointing that he has decided to hand in a transfer request," he said.

"It was immediately turned down and has done nothing to change our stance during January. Peter is under contract until the summer of 2014 and we have no need or desire to sell our core players.

"We want to keep the squad intact to enable us to build on an encouraging first six months of the season."

Meanwhile, Newcastle French army has grown even more with the arrival of Sissoko from Toulouse. The French international signed on a six-and-a-half year deal with the Magpies.

"I am delighted to be a Newcastle United player," he told the club's official website. "This is a massive club playing in the best league in the world, and I believe my style of play is suited to the Premier League.

"I have heard lots about how fantastic the Newcastle supporters are and cannot wait to get started.

"I am rising to a new challenge by coming here and want to firstly help the team improve this season and then progress after that."

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