Baggies checking out two new targets

The Baggies are narrowing down their options for the final two weeks of the transfer window with Manchester City winger Scott Sinclair still their No.1 target.

And boss Steve Clarke ideally wants to add two new widemen to his squad with Amalfitano and Arnautovic the latest names thrown into the frame.

Amalfitano is a definite target, although reports that the Baggies have already bid for the 28-year-old Marseille man are premature. He is one of the names being considered by Hawthorns officials after he requested a move.

Meanwhile, reports from Europe claim the Baggies are set to hold talks with representatives of the sought-after Arnautovic, who has turned down a move to Celtic in recent days. The tall Austria international can play as a central striker or out wide.

Real Sociedad, Levante, Sevilla, Valencia and Espanyol have also been linked with the 24-year-old along with West Ham, who have already gone head-to-head with Albion this summer over Ivory Coast international Salomon Kalou.

The Hammers also expressed an interest in Czech Republic man Matej Vydra before he signed for Albion on a season-long loan from Udinese last week.

Clarke is considering his options ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton with Vydra, who made his debut as a late substitute in the opening-day defeat to Southampton, in the frame.

Fellow summer signing Diego Lugano was left out altogether against the Saints after travelling to Japan to play for Uruguay in a friendly three days earlier.

"It's a long journey," said Clarke. "When Diego came into the club he was a little bit behind us in his preparation. Vydra – I have to be honest – I haven't seen much of. He came in for his medical and then went away with the Czech Republic."

"He played for them, turned up Thursday afternoon, I saw him for 20 minutes having a little jog and stretch.

"We did 45 minutes work on Friday in preparation for the game.

"I thought he looked quite lively when he came on.

"I know he's done a full pre-season with Udinese so I think Matej will pick up the pace quickly."