Slaven Bilic: West Brom must strengthen
Head coach Slaven Bilic reiterated Albion must bring in reinforcements as the club prepares for the first of two transfer deadline days.
The Baggies have until 11pm tomorrow tonight to sign players from rival Premier League clubs and from teams abroad.
They then have until October 16 to make additions from the Football League.
The priority for Bilic – and technical director Luke Dowling – is to bring in a striker with Huddersfield's Karlan Grant believed to be the number one target.
Metz forward Habib Diallo is understood to be a genuine alternative.
However reports in France have suggested Sheffield United are also keen on the Senegal international.
Bilic has also confirmed he likes Leicester striker Islam Slimani.
With money tight at The Hawthorns, a new centre-forward may be the final signing the Baggies make this window.
But if possible, Bilic would like more with full-back a growing areas of concern.
Reports also emerged earlier today linking the Baggies with a move for Crystal Palace winger Andros Townsend.
"It is something that we need to do," Bilic said when asked about additions following the 2-0 defeat at Southampton.
"We need to boost the quality of our squad and I expect that to happen.
"Nothing has changed following the Southampton game.
"We have until Monday night to do Premier League ones but then we have a little bit more time to bring in players from the EFL.
"My message has been the same after Leicester, after Everton after Chelsea. It doesn’t change after Southampton.
"We need, need, need and I’m expecting that to happen."
If Albion want to bring in another player as well as a striker – it is likely that move will have to be funded by departures.
Charlie Austin was once again left out the match day squad for the trip to St Mary's having also been missing for the games against Everton and Chelsea.
Out of contract in the summer, it is understood Derby have held talks with Albion about signing the 31-year-old.
Nottingham Forest and are also believed to be keen on Kamil Grosicki, while Middlesbrough and Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with moves for Kenneth Zohore.
Meanwhile, Bilic confirmed Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher missed out on a place in the squad for the Southampton game through illness.
"He said: "On Saturday he didn’t feel well – that is the reason why he was left out."
