West Brom transfer update: Fenerbahce striker Umut Nayir wanted at The Hawthorns amid January Cardiff City threat
West Brom are interested in signing Fenerbahce striker Umut Nayir but face competition from Cardiff City, according to Sports Digitale.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reported via Twitter on 8 January that the Baggies and their Championship rivals are both on the case of the 30-year-old forward.
The Turkey international appears to be surplus to requirements at the Istanbul giants, having made just 12 brief appearances in all competitions this season without finding the net, but scored 17 Super Lig goals on loan at Umraniyespor from Besiktas last term.
West Brom boss Carlos Corberan is in need of help up in attack during the winter window having suffered numerous injury set backs this season.
To the rescue?
After losing Josh Maja for up to five months due to surgery, and with Daryl Dike having only just made his first appearance of the season, this sort of deal is likely to be exactly what West Brom need this month.
If Nayir is out of favour at Fener operated to great effect on loan last season from their rivals then he could be a low-cost option who is available immediately to provide reinforcements at The Hawthorns.
Dike’s goal against Aldershot Town in the FA Cup win at the weekend was a very positive step for the American after months of rehab, but given his shocking luck with injury during his time with the Baggies his availability can’t be relied upon.
Brandon Thomas-Asante has been required to shoulder the load up front for the majority of the campaign, but support is a clear priority.
Nayir has played for five different clubs in as many seasons so has clearly had little time to settle in what has been a nomadic career throughout, but his form on loan last season saw him win his first four international caps for Turkey, from which he has scored once.
After a serious of loan moves from Besiktas he was picked up by Fenerbahce in the summer but hasn’t seen a great deal of action, so he appears to need another temporary move and a first to England might come at the perfect time for West Brom.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies have been backed in their pursuit of a “very highly rated” talent from an English giant.