West Brom in hunt for Aston Villa 27-year-old as number one target outlined – report
West Brom are looking to make a move for Aston Villa forward Mbwana Samatta in this window, according to the Sun.
The newspaper have reported on their website that the Baggies could hijack the 27-year-old’s pending move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
The Albion would take Samatta on loan or even a permanent deal if the price is right, with the hopes that their near-rivals would allow the forward to stay in the Premier League.
Samatta struggled in his first season in the Premier League last season but is believed to want another chance in the top-flight.
The 27-year-old moved to Villa Park for around £9.1million in January, so Dean Smith would most likely want to recover that fee.
The Tanzanian international only managed to score once in his 14 appearances, despite 11 of those being starts.
Ollie Watkins arriving at Villa from Brentford has pushed Samatta down the pecking order, and the Baggies could be set to take advantage.
Samatta highlighted his ability in front of goal back in the 18/19 campaign, scoring 32 goals in 51 outings for Genk.
The Athletic’s Steve Madeley reported that the 27-year-old has emerged on the shortlist at the Hawthorns, but that Huddersfield’s Karlan Grant remains the number one target.
The Albion have failed with a number of approaches for the young striker, but are starting to test the Terriers resolve.
Grant didn’t feature in their season-opening defeat against Norwich last week, and it appears that Samatta has been shortlisted as a back-up option.
In other West Brom news, Slaven Bilic confirms Baggies injury blow after win against Harrogate on Wednesday
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