West Brom's Pepe Mel: I tried to sign Christian Benteke

Mel will come face-to-face with Benteke at Villa Park tonight in his first West Midlands derby, a year-and-a-half after trying to sign the Belgium international. But as he continues his own hunt for a new striker, Mel insists he is not targeting a Benteke clone for the Baggies – because Anichebe can do the job for him.

"Anichebe is a player who is in that mould," said Mel, who saw the ex-Everton man return from injury last week as a half-time substitute against his former club. "We need a mobile player who is able to drop in behind defenders. What is important for us is not just Aston Villa and their strengths, but rather our own.

"In the last game against Everton, Anichebe was a vital player for us. He showed me against Everton that he can be very able."

Mel watched Benteke in action for Genk and urged former club Betis to sign the 23-year-old before the powerful frontman made his £7m switch to Villa Park in 2012.

And he is well aware of the danger Villa's goalscoring talisman will pose in tonight's Premier League derby.

"Aston Villa play with a diamond in midfield and the second ball from Benteke is very important for them," said the Spanish boss.

"We need to stop their counter-attacks. I actually asked Betis to buy Benteke last June but he was very expensive.

"He is a well-known player in Spain, like Anichebe – a player who is respected and of high value."

Albion head for Villa Park having opened talks with defender Billy Jones over a new contract at The Hawthorns.

The former Crewe and Preston man's current deal expires in the summer but Albion hope to persuade him to extend his stay. The 26-year-old can expect a hefty pay rise after being one of the Baggies' lower earners since he moved from Deepdale in 2011.

Meanwhile, Mel is desperate for victory in his first Premier League derby.

"I hope the West Bromwich fans are able to do the 'Boing Boing' when we do win tonight," he said.