Late-night West Brom dream move for Thievy Bifouma

The striker has joined on loan until the end of the season from Espanyol with a view to a permanent switch.

Albion have paid the La Liga side 500,000 euros to land the France under-21 international and just beat last night's transfer deadline.

And the 21-year-old, who has scored three goals in 11 La Liga appearances this season, believes he will suit the English game.

"It's a dream for me in my life to play in the Premier League," he said. "My style is very direct and attacking and it's a very English style of play.

"I'm really happy to be here. I have always liked English football."

Bifouma is not eligible for tomorrow's visit of Liverpool but adds depth to the Baggies' frontline.

Nicolas Anelka is likely to be hit with a lengthy ban by the FA for his quenelle goal celebration at West Ham in December. Anelka is out of the Liverpool game with a knee injury, but is expected to train next week.

And head coach Pepe Mel felt it was vital to get another forward in after selling Shane Long to Hull.

"It is important for the team because Anelka is injured and it's not possible for him to play the next game and Shane Long has gone," said Mel.

Bifouma was the only deadline day arrival after Albion asked about Norwich's Wes Hoolahan and Sunderland's Craig Gardner.

The Baggies also considered ending Goran Popov's loan from Dynamo Kiev as the defender is unlikely to be in Mel's plans with Chris Brunt preferred as left-back cover for Liam Ridgewell.

Meanwhile, Craig Dawson's proposed loan move to Wigan failed to get across the line but the Latics are expected to reignite their interest when the loan window opens next week.

Middlesbrough were interested in Graham Dorrans and Malmo are keen on Markus Rosenberg with the Swedish transfer window open until April.