Slaven Bilic is hoping for a bit of ‘luck’ in the remainder of the transfer window as West Brom’s hunt for a new striker goes on.
Albion will complete ‘phase one’ of the window when they secure the expected loan signing of playmaker Filip Krovinovic, who will return to The Hawthorns on a second loan spell from Benfica at some point in the coming days.
That first part of the window was centred around bringing back those loanees who helped the club achieve promotion last term – Krovinovic, after Callum Robinson, Matheus Pereira and Grady Diangana, is the final piece of that particular jigsaw.
Why should you sign up?
In our daily Baggies bulletin, we’ll be bringing you the latest breaking news, transfer features and comment pieces, as well as the key talking points for fans.
How do you sign up?
It’s easy and only takes seconds.
Simply type your email address into the box at the top of this article and hit sign up.
And that’s it, you’re all set. You can also sign up here.
If you decide later that you no longer wish to receive the emails, simply follow the unsubscribe link in one of the newsletters – but we don’t think you’ll want to.
And what’s more, it’s absolutely free!
You can also get all the latest updates by following us on social media here Facebook and Twitter.
We also have a free app which you can download. It is always up-to-date with the latest news from across the region. Google Play Store and App Store
After the captures of Conor Gallagher and Branislav Ivanovic in recent weeks, Albion’s sole focus between now and the closure of the window next month will be to source a striker to lead the line and spearhead Albion’s bid to remain in the Premier League.
Having spent a significant portion of their budget – which was limited as it was at the start of the summer – on the signing of Diangana from West Ham, they’ve having to act savvy in the window if they are to make that breakthrough.
Karlan Grant of Huddersfield Town remains a priority, and while things are far from straightforward, Bilic remains hopeful that Albion can be granted some fortune in their attempts.
“We don’t have a huge budget that is why we are trying to be creative and lucky,” he explained, ahead of the welcoming of Chelsea to The Hawthorns this weekend. “That’s not easy but we are trying.
“Hopefully Filip Krovinovic will be here by the end of the weekend. Phase one done, and then hopefully we will get another one.
“We have to do it to maintain a good chance.”
Sales, and moving players out, will certainly do Albion’s budget no harm at all, and they remain open to offers for one or two of their senior players.
poll loading
Where will Albion finish in the Premier League this season?
5000+ VOTES SO FAR
It’s understood that Kenneth Zohore is free to leave if a suitable deal can be struck, and a number of Championship clubs have already made their interest known.
Kamil Grosicki and Charlie Austin have both had very limited roles in the Premier League matches against Leicester City and Everton, and their respective futures are also uncertain.
“We are trying to make the squad – with the new players that are coming – a bit more balanced,” Bilic added. “It is a process. Hopefully it will happen but it is not easy.”
