Albion enter race to sign Carlos Vela

Albion have entered the race to sign Arsenal striker Carlos Vela after Gunners boss Arsene Wenger urged the Mexico international to stay in England.

Wenger wants to loan out the 21-year-old for the rest of the season as he looks to prepare him for a potential future first-team role at the Emirates Stadium.

But the Gunners boss is keen for Vela to stay in England, even though the Mexican favours a temporary move to Spain.

That has alerted a host of Premier League clubs including Albion, who have contacted Arsenal to register their interest.

But they will face fierce competition should Vela agree to join another English club, with Bolton heading a group of clubs keeping tabs on the 5ft 11in front-runner.

Valencia lead a group of Spanish clubs ready to pounce if Vela convinces Wenger to send him for another spell in La Liga, where he has already spent a season on loan with Osasuna.

Albion are now approaching crunch time in their hunt for a striker with just six days remaining in the transfer window, but Wenger is keen to resolve Vela's future this week.

The Frenchman said: "There's nothing done at the moment but that could be sorted out today or Thursday."

Wenger also revealed he would like Vela to stay in England "because he's a great player and it will be easier for me to follow his progress."

But the Arsenal boss added: "He is attracted by Spanish football because it's his home language but, hopefully, we can find a good solution for him in England."

Should Vela remain in England, Bolton look to be in pole position for his signature after playing a key role in the development of another Gunners youngster, Jack Wilshire, during a loan spell last season.

But Albion could offer an environment with several Spanish speakers.

It is a first language for Gonzalo Jara and Pablo Ibanez, while head coach Roberto Di Matteo and defender Gabriel Tamas also use it.

Vela has only made four substitute appearances in the Premier League this season, but has been a regular fixture in the Arsenal team for cup matches and scored the winner from the penalty spot last night in the Gunners' 1-0 reserves win over Chelsea.