West Brom keen on Colombian prodigy
West Brom have joined the chase to land a 19-year-old Colombian wonderkid who has been dubbed 'the next James Rodriguez,' the Express & Star understands.
Mateo Cardona has attracted interest from European clubs such as Benfica, Monaco and Real Betis, but his preferred move is to the Premier League.
Baggies boss Tony Pulis is believed to be interested in the creative midfielder – who plays for Envigado in Colombia's top tier – but his hands are tied until he can move out some of his current squad.
Cardona burst on to the scene towards the end of 2014, scoring three goals in six appearances for Envigado.
It's understood he was recommended to Albion by former Blues player Jose Dominguez, who worked with Cardona while managing in Colombia.
West Ham are also chasing Cardona and Saturday's opponents Stoke City have requested information on the teenager.
Pulis wants to do a lot of business in January, but has been told by chairman Jeremy Peace that the club must offload players before they can bring any in.
With James Morrison out of contract at the end of the season, there is added onus on finding a creative midfielder should no new deal be agreed with the Scotland international.
Another 19-year-old prospect is coming in for a trial at Albion this week.
Non-league full-back Kane Smith was due to join up with the Baggies before Christmas, but that trial was cancelled because of injury.
Smith currently plays for Hitchin Town in the Southern League Premier Division. A product of the Luton Town academy, he's one of the hottest properties in non-league.
The teenager, who works as a labourer for team-mate Brett Donnelly, has already played in two trial matches for Crystal Palace.
