Video: Albion set for advanced Demba Ba talks

Albion are planning more talks with top striker target Demba Ba after playing down reports he is close to moving to China.

The Baggies are refusing to give up on luring the 30-year-old from Turkish side Besiktas despite claims he is edging closer to joining Shanghai Shenhua.

The wealthy Chinese side are said to have agreed a fee of around £10m with Besiktas comprising a £5m down-payment and two more later installments.

But Albion still believe they can persuade the former West Ham, Newcastle and Chelsea forward to return to the Premier League with Tony Pulis's side.

And Hawthorns officials are planning more talks with Ba's representatives with the club ready to match the Chinese transfer fee figure if they can strike a deal with the player over personal terms. Ba's future is shrouded in mystery after a week of mixed messages surrounding his future.

However, while Albion acknowledge they cannot match the wages being offered by some of their rivals for his signature, they have received positive noises from the Ba camp and believe they retain a genuine chance of winning the race.

A statement from Shanghai Shenhua read:

"Talks with Demba Ba are going well and we are waiting for his final response."

But Albion believe the Senegal international is still keener on a return to England.

Besiktas are already preparing for Ba's departure with new manager Senol Gunes confirming: "We are on the lookout for a new striker following Demba Ba's request to leave."

Pulis wants at least two new strikers this summer to compete with England Under-21s man Saido Berahino for first-team places.

He is expected to keep at least one of Victor Anichebe and Brown Ideye as part of a four-man forward department.