Inside Track - West Brom target Habib Diallo

Huddersfield’s Karlan Grant is understood to be their number one target while Watford duo Andre Gray and Troy Deeney are also under consideration.

But the Baggies are also keeping tabs on goalscorers abroad with the Express & Star understanding Metz forward Habib Diallo is a player high on their shortlist.

We spoke to French football expert Jeremy Smith to get more information on the Senegal international.

What kind of footballer is Diallo?

Although he is capable of playing on the flanks, Diallo is best as an out-and-out centre forward.

What would you say are his strengths and weaknesses?

Tall and strong, Diallo is unsurprisingly good in the air, capable at holding the ball up and has a good shot-to-goal conversion rate.

Although a willing runner and relatively comfortable with ball at feet, he is not likely to create his own goals with a dribble past a handful of players, instead relying mainly on the service of others.

Would he suit Premier League?

He should be well suited to Premier League football as the archetypal English big man up front.

He’s a great target for crosses and as a pivot for a second striker to play around. He has the physicality for the Premier League he has an excellent hard-working attitude.

Albion have only just earned promotion, do you think he can get the goals to keep them up?

Using the example of last season at Metz, he had been their top scorer in helping them to promotion the year before, but even Metz fans were unconvinced he would score the goals to keep them up.

But 12 goals last season were crucial to them avoiding the drop with some comfort in the end. So in theory, yes he can be that player. But his career trajectory suggests that, while going consistently upwards, his progress can be a little slow. So some patience may be needed while he adjusts to a higher level – and much depends on the quality of service that he receives.

Who would he compare to in the Premier League or world stage?

In terms of the type of player he is and his gradual career progress via Ligue 2 and a breakout Ligue 1 season, I’d be tempted to go for Olivier Giroud. But not (yet) at Giroud’s level.

Reports suggest a deal for Diallo would be a loan – do you think that could work for Metz?

Metz have budgeted to sell Diallo this summer for £10 million, so I would be surprised if they accepted a loan. However, it is clear that both Metz and Diallo are set on him leaving so a deal is there to be done and, depending on how desperate Metz are for money, they may accept a loan with an option or compulsory purchase.