Albion look for new Valero

Albion manager Tony Mowbray has highlighted record signing Borja Valero as a potential standard bearer for the talented players he aims to lure to the Hawthorns.

Mowbray hopes the arrival of Valero – who has risen to the challenge of the Premier League in recent weeks – is a sign of things to come for the Baggies.

The Baggies boss forked out £4.7million to bring the 23-year-old Spaniard to England from Real Mallorca.

He believes the club record outlay is beginning to bear fruit and prove the benefits of the Baggies' improved international scouting network.

Mowbray said: "I don't want to talk too much about individuals but, for me, the quality is evident in Borja. He doesn't look out of place and looks comfortable in the environments of Old Trafford or Anfield.

"His ability on the ball to pick the right pass and know where the space is shows he's a good footballer.

"My job is to find more players of the ilk of Valero, who have that ability to find space and put the ball into the right areas at the right time. Good players win football matches and make your team tick. If you have 11 then you have a chance of being successful."

Mowbray admits the Baggies might need to spend big again to attract players of a similar quality to Valero to The Hawthorns.

But he is also keeping a watch for bargain buys like Robert Koren, who has become a Hawthorns favourite since arriving on a free transfer from Norwegian side Lillestrom.

The Baggies boss said: "We are trying to raise the standard of footballer and the club. It's no coincidence that one of our better players is the guy who costs the most money.

"Quality costs money even if, every now and again, you can find an uncut diamond and fit your team, maybe coming on a Bosman.

"The bottom line is that Borja's quality, to a professional eye, is evident."