Report: West Brom interested in African striker with £8.5m valuation
West Brom have been named among a list of clubs who are interested in Genk striker Mbwana Samatta, according to Het Laatste Nieuws.
The Belgian newspaper claims that Frankfurt, Lazio, Roma, Brighton, Norwich and Crystal Palace are also pursuing the 27-year-old after he rejected a “lucrative” transfer to join a club in the Middle East.
It is understood that Genk would want around £8.5million for the Tanzania international, who would require a work permit if he was to move to a club in England this month.
Samatta has scored 10 goals and supplied two assists in 28 appearances across all competitions for Genk this season.
One of his three goals in the Champions League came against Liverpool in a 2-1 defeat at Anfield – so he certainly knows how to find the back of the net against top sides.
The Tanzanian’s form in the Belgian top-flight has been disappointing though with just seven goals in 20, especially as last season he netted 23 goals in 38 league outings.
There is still time for Samatta’s form to improve but he does seem like the type of striker that would flourish in the Championship if West Brom were able to make a move for him.
However the interest from clubs in the Premier League, Serie A and Bundesliga could mean that the Baggies are low down on Samatta’s list if he does end up quitting Genk.
In other West Brom news, our panel of Super Fans have predicted the line-up for this weekend’s trip to Charlton.