Mbaye Diagne ‘brings physical presence to Albion’

The Baggies have agreed terms with the Turkish giants on a move that has seen the 29-year-old initially join until the end of the season.

Albion then have the option to make the move permanent if they stay in the Premier League.

Diagne underwent a medical in Turkey on Thursday. He then flew to England yesterday, with the deal being confirmed by the Baggies last night.

And Allardyce feels his arrival will be a big boost to everyone in Albion’s squad.

“He (Diagne) can hold the ball-up, score goals and he brings a physical presence,” the boss said. “Hopefully, he can hit the ground running and produce here what he has produced at Galatasaray.

“He is a completely different type of player to what we have in the squad.

“He can be our line leader, bring other people into the game and hold the ball up.

“And he can get in the box and covert chances – hopefully at a better rate than we have been converting them so far.

Also I think he will make space and opportunities for others, that is a massive one because I think he will generate a lot of attention from opposition defences.

“That will then create more space and more opportunities for the other attack-minded players.”

The forward has an outstanding goalscoring record in Turkey.

In spells with Kasimpasa and Galatasaray, the Senegal international has scored 51 goals in 63 matches.

While Albion fans can’t wait to see Diagne in action, Allardyce warned adapting to the Premier League is not easy.

“Him taking on this challenge – with his record in Galatasaray – is a big ask for him and I can congratulate him on having the courage to come and try and help us,” the boss added.

“Players can easily be put off in this window by where we are in the table.

“There is no guarantee he is going to switch it on straight away and hit the ground running.

“I have to give everyone that warning.

“I have managed to succeed at other clubs many times in the past (helping players settle quickly).

“But catching up with the Premier League in January is one of the biggest tasks a player faces.”

Meanwhile, Allardyce confirmed rumours former Leicester man Musa is yet to turn up for a trial.

A free agent following his release by Saudi Arabian side Al Nassr, Musa was offered the chance to train with Albion in a bid to earn a longer stay.

“He hasn’t arrived yet,” Allardyce said. “We are still waiting so I don’t know what the situation is. We have been waiting for two weeks now. I’m not totally up to speed with the situation because it’s not been my main focus.”