West Bromwich Albion have refused Cardiff permission to play midfielder Jason Koumas in their FA Cup tie with Arsenal at Highbury on Saturday. Koumas has shone for Cardiff since joining on loan from WBA in July 2005.
West Brom are happy to sell Koumas, but do not want him Cup-tied as this will jeopardise his market value.
Cardiff have first option on Koumas - providing they pay a fee agreed with Albion, but the Bluebirds have so far failed to complete this agreement.
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace said: "We're more than happy to sell Jason to Cardiff in line with the terms of the deal we agreed with them in the summer.
"Jason would then be free to play for them in the FA Cup. Until such an agreement has been reached with Cardiff, we will not grant him permission to play in the competition.
"Should another club be prepared to pay the same price for Jason, we will then be happy to discuss a deal with them.
"This would allow Jason to play for them in the FA Cup should they remain in the competition."
MMIX
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