West Brom boss Slaven Bilic reiterates desire to sign striker
Boss Slaven Bilic has reiterated Albion must sign a striker before the transfer window closes.
The head coach said earlier this month there have been two phases to the club’s transfer strategy this summer.
Phase one is re-signing the loan players that were influential in helping the Baggies win promotion last season.
While phase two is singing players to improve the starting XI.
With Matheus Pereira, Grady Diangana and Callum Robinson already on board, Bilic revealed phase one is almost complete with Filip Krovinovic set to re-join the club on loan from Benfica in the coming days.
Albion have also brought in Branislav Ivanovic, Cedric Kipre, Conor Gallagher and David Button to improve their squad.
But Bilic also wants a striker – with Huddersfield’s Karlan Grant understood to be his number one target.
“We don’t have a huge budget that is why we are trying to be creative and lucky,” Bilic said when asked about his striker search.
“That’s not easy but we are trying.
“Hopefully, Filip Krovinovic will be here by the end of the weekend.
“I am expecting him to start training with us after we play Chelsea.
“I have been assured by the director he will come. Phase one done. And then hopefully we will get another one. We have to do it to maintain a good chance.”
Last week, Bilic stressed he saw re-signing Krovinovic as a priority with the boss saying he would be “extremely disappointed” if the midfielder didn’t return.
And after drawn out negotiations, a breakthrough has finally been made.
The Express & Star understands Krovinovic will sign a new deal with Benfica before re-joining the Baggies on loan – with the Portuguese club wanting to protect the value of their asset.
The Primeira Liga outfit had wanted a clause in the agreement that meant Albion had an obligation to buy the player at the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
But it is understood there is no clause in regards to any future transfer with Krovinovic simply joining on a 12-month loan.
Meanwhile, the Express & Star understands there is no truth in reports linking the Baggies with a move for free agent Emmanuel Adebayor.
Reports had suggested Albion would move for the former Arsenal, Tottenham and Real Madrid man if they don’t sign a forward before the window closes.
Alongside Grant, Albion have registered an interest in Watford duo Andre Gray and Troy Deeney. They have also spoken to Rennes about M’Baye Niang. But they are not interested in Adebayor, or Islam Slimani who has also been linked.
