Video: Albion after Spurs' Federico Fazio
West Brom are ready to step up their efforts to sign Argentina international centre-back Federico Fazio from Tottenham Hotspur.
The Baggies have already contacted Spurs about the 28-year-old defender and are expected to firm up their interest in the next few days.
Spurs could demand up to £6million for a player they signed for £8m from Sevilla just a year ago.
But Albion will hope to drive down the price, after Fazio struggled to force his way into Mauricio Pochettino's plans at White Hart Lane.
Baggies boss Tony Pulis is keen to add more strength at the heart of his defence and has identified Fazio as his top target.
Pulis remains a fan of the 6ft 5in tall stopper, despite Fazio's failure to make an impact in North London.
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He has already added James Chester from Hull to his defensive ranks in a deal that could cost up to £8m.
But Pulis has so far deployed the Wales international at right-back, with Craig Dawson switching to the centre-back berth for Monday's season opener against Manchester City.
Long-serving Sweden international Jonas Olsson is entering the final year of his contract and Joleon Lescott's future is still slightly uncertain.
The latter's position comes following a cheeky £1m bid from Villa, Pulis sees Fazio as a possible younger alternative.
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Olsson looked set to leave this summer after Albion failed to offer him an extension to his contract but, so far, the 32-year-old has remained at the Hawthorns.
However, a cash offer could persuade Albion to sell to avoid him leaving on a free transfer next summer.
The Baggies dismissed Villa's bid out of hand and Lescott is likely to stay, but Pulis could cash in if the right offer is received.
He also wants a left-back to compete with Chris Brunt but Liverpool's Jose Enrique, who has been linked, is not believed to be high on his wanted list.
