Reliable journalist offers West Brom-Samatta update after Genk striker linked with Hawthorns

West Brom are in the hunt to sign a new centre-forward this month - but Genk striker Mbwana Samatta is not on their radar, according to Birmingham Mail journalist Joe Chapman.

Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported last week that the Baggies were one of a number of clubs who were keen on signing the 27-year-old Tanzania international.

It was claimed that Frankfurt, Lazio, Roma, Brighton, Norwich and Crystal Palace were also in pursuit of the £8.5million-rated striker.

However speaking in a Q&A session on the Birmingham Mail's website on Monday [01:06pm], Chapman reports that Samatta has not been mentioned as a target for Slaven Bilic in the current January window.

Even if West Brom were intent on signing Samatta, the price of the potential transfer and the fact that so many top-flight clubs are reportedly interested in him means that striking a deal would be tough.

Bilic could do with strengthening his squad this month, especially as his side have been in such poor form lately and their once safe spot in the top-two is starting to come under a bit of doubt.

However signing a new striker might not be the biggest priority as Hal Robson-Kanu, Charlie Austin and Kenneth Zohore have all shown in recent months that they can get among the goals and put in solid performances.

West Brom have not had the best of luck when signing strikers from continental Europe in recent years so maybe it is best that Samatta is avoided.

In other West Brom news, Albion are on the verge of signing this free agent.