Steve Clarke backs Nicolas Anelka to fire West Brom

West Brom boss Steve Clarke today claimed Nicolas Anelka can inspire his squad after the two-time Premier League winner completed his move to the Hawthorns.

Anelka penned a one-year Baggies contract last night to become the club's highest profile signing since Kanu joined in 2004.

The 34-year-old, who won the Champions League with Real Madrid, signed a deal that includes an option for a further year in the club's favour.

And Clarke said: "We are missing a bit of firepower from last year – we're trying to put that right – and to kick off with the signing of Nicolas at the start of the summer is a great boost for everyone at the club.

"The sole focus at the club is trying to build on what we did last season.

"The more quality players you can bring to the club the better – and no-one can question Nicolas' quality.

"He's a player I have worked with before as I was at Chelsea when they signed him. He's got a great work ethic, looks after himself and is a consummate professional.

"If you add that to the obvious talent he's got, I think he can prove to be a really top signing for the club.

"His experience with some of the top clubs in England and Europe will stand the group in good stead.

"Hopefully, he will be able to inspire the other players to even greater heights than we managed to achieve last year."

West Brom, who finished eighth last season, hope Anelka can help fill the void left by Romelu Lukaku following his season-long loan from Chelsea.

Anelka could still be joined at The Hawthorns by former Stamford Bridge team-mate Salomon Kalou, who remains a target for Clarke.

Kalou is available from French club Lille to any club who activate his release clause – believed to be around £2.6million.

But the Ivory Coast international's wage demands could prove a stumbling block and West Ham are also interested.

The Baggies are also set for talks in the next few days with the representatives of former Watford loanee striker Matej Vydra, who is looking to return to England from Udinese on another season-long loan.

Out-of-contract ex-Wigan striker Franco Di Santo is a possibility, along with PSV Eindhoven striker Ola Toivonen.

But Wigan's Arouna Kone looks set to move elsewhere, with Everton and Newcastle having met the figure in his release clause.