One in one out possible for Albion

Nancy striker Fortune has emerged as Tony Mowbray's preferred choice for a new striker and reports in France claim a Hawthorns delegation will fly in for talks.

But Mowbray may have to fend off unwanted interest in Slovakian defender Cech, with Italian sources claiming Serie A side Napoli are considering a swoop.

The manager is keen to recruit a new face up front in time for Saturday's Hawthorns clash with Middlesbrough, especially now leading scorer Roman Bednar has been ruled out by a one-match suspension.

Reports in France say Nancy president Jacques Rousselot was preparing to meet Albion representatives to discuss a loan move for the remainder of the season.

The transfer has been halted so far by Nancy's demands for a hefty six-figure loan fee for the services of the 27-year-old, who has fallen out of favour with the French top division outfit.

But they are now keen to bring in January signings of their own and need to free up space on their payroll, increasing the chances of a compromise.

Benfica striker Ariza Makukula remains a fall-back option for Albion, although the Lisbon club are still to be convinced of the merits of a loan deal and are holding out for a £3million permanent transfer.

Napoli are reportedly keeping an eye on Cech, who is frustrated after his £1.4million summer switch from Porto.

The Slovakia international left-back has admitted he considered his future, as he struggled to oust Paul Robinson from the left-back spot.