Reliable journo details West Brom stance on Troy Deeney amid ex-player suggestions
Kevin Phillips and Daryl Burgess have both made it clear that they would be happy if West Brom signed Troy Deeney from Watford this summer.
Deeney, 32, scored 10 goals in 27 appearances as the Hornets were relegated from the Premier League last season, prompting calls from former Albion players for Slaven Bilic to land the ex-Walsall striker.
However, according to The Athletic's West Brom reporter Steve Madeley, a deal for Deeney is unlikely due to his age and Watford's potential valuation of him.
Albion have shown interest in Deeney in the past.
In January 2018, he was widely-linked with the Baggies, who eventually opted to sign Daniel Sturridge on loan in a bid to save themselves from relegation.
Clearly, that decision didn't work out well as Albion forked out a lot of money on Sturridge's wages only for him to spend almost his entire loan spell injured as the club dropped into the Championship.
Two-and-a-half years later and Deeney's name is being mentioned again.
He is a proven Premier League striker and his leadership qualities could come in handy at The Hawthorns.
But the top two strikers in West Brom's pecking order are also both in their 30s and younger than Deeney.
Slaven Bilic and Luke Dowling have done a lot of work to bring down the average age of the squad and sign players who can improve over time.
Deeney is unlikely to do that but one thing would be guaranteed if West Brom do sign the Birmingham-born forward - goals against Aston Villa.