• Premier League

West Brom keen to lure Di Santo

ESPN staff
June 24, 2013
Franco Di Santo is also interesting Roberto Martinez and Everton © PA Photos
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West Bromwich Albion head coach Steve Clarke hopes to find out in the next 48 hours whether he can persuade Franco Di Santo to move to The Hawthorns.

Albion have already held informal discussions with Argentina international Di Santo, 24, who is a free agent after his contract at Wigan expired.

It is believed the striker has several options, with his former Wigan manager Roberto Martinez reportedly interested in bringing him to Everton and a number of European clubs keen to sign him.

However, it is thought Di Santo is keen to remain in the Premier League - and Clarke hopes the fact he worked with the player during his time at Chelsea could give him an edge in the race for his signature.

Albion sporting and technical director Richard Garlick hopes to speak to Di Santo in the next couple of days.

Garlick said bringing new striking options to the club was a priority, telling the Birmingham Mail: "We need goals in the team and we need wide players. We know the type of strikers we want - it's a case of getting out there and getting them through the door.

"There are plenty of strikers and wingers out there, but they might not fit the profile of what we want. People might think someone is a good player, but he might not fit our style of play."

Albion also retain an interest in Arouna Kone, a former Wigan team-mate of Di Santo, who has a £6 million release clause in his contract and is also reported to be interesting Norwich City.

PSV Eindhoven's Ola Toivonen is another possibility, while Albion have confirmed they are monitoring the situation of Belgium international winger Nacer Chadli, who currently plays for Dutch club FC Twente.

Albion want to bring in at least two strikers after informing Markus Rosenburg that he is free to leave after a disappointing first season in the Midlands.

Romelu Lukaku is returning to parent club Chelsea after a season-long loan, while Peter Odemwingie will be sold as soon as Albion find a club prepared to meet their £3 million valuation.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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