West Brom in race against clock to finalise late Jan deal after COVID test performed – report
West Brom are in a race against the clock to sign striker Mbaye Diagne from Galatasaray in time for him to play against Fulham on Saturday, according to The Sun.
The newspaper claims Diagne, 29, completed a medical in Istanbul on Thursday and has undergone COVID testing ahead of moving to the Black Country.
However, it is understood that the Senegal international’s need for a work permit could scupper Sam Allardyce’s chances of starting him against Fulham at The Hawthorns this weekend.
The Sun adds that Diagne is set to join the Albion on loan until the end of the season but the deal will be made permanent if Allardyce’s men are able to avoid relegation.
Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim has also reportedly given his blessing to the move.
Fulham match too soon
It sounds like it’s going to be a bit of a stretch for Diagne to be available to play against Fulham at The Hawthorns on Saturday to make his West Brom debut.
Karlan Grant has returned from injury and Callum Robinson hasn’t been playing too badly as of late so Allardyce does have a couple of options to play up front.
It would be good for him to have Diagne available in time for the relegation six-pointer against Fulham but it doesn’t seem likely.
In just over 24 hours, the match will kick-off in the West Midlands and in that time, Diagne needs to get a work permit, fly into the UK, finalise whatever paperwork that is left over and get ready to slot straight into Big Sam’s squad.
It just doesn’t sound plausible.
West Brom have a massive couple of fixtures on the horizon with a trip to Yorkshire to play Sheffield United coming up on Tuesday.
It’s far more likely that Diagne will feature at Bramall Lane.
In other West Brom news, Kevin Phillips has shared his thoughts on Romaine Sawyers’ performance versus Manchester City.
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