West Brom to pursue move for in-form French striker.
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West Brom are reportedly considering a summer swoop for former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere as they seek a replacement for departing loan star Romelu Lukaku.
The on-loan Chelsea man has been a great temporary signing for Baggies boss Steve Clarke, scoring 17 Premier League goals to help the club to an impressive finish of 8th in the table.
However, they are unlikely to keep the Belgian for another year, as he is being targeted by a number of other clubs for loan deals. West Ham, Swansea City and Fulham have all been linked with the 20-year-old, with the Hammers believed to be leading the chase for his signature as they prepare for their own loan striker Andy Carroll’s return to Liverpool.
Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie could also leave the club this summer, with the former being eyed up by clubs in the Bundesliga, and with the latter unsettled after unsuccessfully trying to force a move to Queens Park Rangers in January.
These departures will leave West Brom desperately short upfront, and they could turn to Lorient striker Aliadiere as a cheap option, with the 29-year-old thought to be available for around £4million.
The signing of Aliadiere may represent a risky one for the Baggies due to his injury record that has plagued him throughout his career, but there are signs that the Frenchman, once considered one of the best young players at Arsenal, is finally fulfilling his potential after a long period of managing to stay fit.
The former Gunner has an impressive record of 19 goals and 9 assists in all competitions for Lorient this season, putting him in joint fifth place for goals in France’s Ligue 1, and joint fourth place for assists.
Aliadiere found his way to Lorient after failed spells in England with Arsenal and Middlesbrough, scoring just 21 goals in nine seasons in English football, which also included loan spells at Wolves and West Ham.
Lorient may be willing to cash in on Aliadiere due to his injury record, but it’s not yet clear if the man himself would welcome a return to the Premier League, after finally finding his feet in his native France, enjoying the slower pace of the game in Ligue 1.
His form has attracted attention though, with Newcastle also showing an interest in bringing him back to England, where he could join numerous others snapped up from French football at St James’ Park.
West Brom have also been linked with a move for Wigan striker Franco Di Santo, who will be available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at the DW Stadium, and the Argentine will be keen to return to the Premier League after the Latics’ drop to the Championship.