West Brom agree loan deal for Mbaye Diagne – defensive midfielder the next target
Albion have reached an agreement to sign Galatasaray striker Mbaye Diagne on loan – as head coach Sam Allardyce confirmed he also wants to bring in a defensive midfielder.
Allardyce has made it clear ever since the transfer window opened that he wants to add more firepower to his ranks.
And now he is getting closer to landing one of his primary targets with Diagne a player who boasts an outstanding goalscoring record.
In spells with Kasimpasa and Galatasaray in Turkey, the Senegal international has scored a staggering 51 goals in 63 matches.
He has nine goals from 15 appearances this season and netted four times in six outings during a loan stint at Club Brugge last season. It is not yet known whether an option to buy clause has been included in the loan agreement agreed between Albion and Galatasaray.
Any future agreement, however, will depend on whether Albion stay in the Premier League.
Diagne is now expected to fly to England for a medical. If the deal is completed in time, he could make his debut in the crucial relegation six-pointer against Fulham on Saturday.
Alongside Diagne, Allardyce has also confirmed he wants to sign a defensive midfielder before the window closes on Monday.
“It’s an area we’d look at if that pops up,” the 66-year-old said when asked if he wants to sign a holding midfielder.
“If we can get a good defensive midfield player who can pass the ball as well as intercept and keep the pressure off the back four then we will try to get him.
“It’s one of the two elements we’re looking for. We want someone for the frontline and someone in that position.”
