According to Portuguese source O Jogo, West Brom are poised to beat Crystal Palace, Arsenal and West Ham to the signing of Islam Slimani from Sporting Lisbon (h/t Sport Witness).
Slimani recently handed in a transfer request in the hope of securing a move to the Premier League, but nothing appears imminent for the Algerian hitman. The forward handed in the request after Swansea had a £17m bid rejected by Sporting.
The 28-year-old has also been linked with West Ham and Arsenal this summer after he bagged 31 goals in 46 games for the Portuguese side last term. Crystal Palace have also been mentioned as a potential suitor.
O Jogo believe both London clubs have turned their attentions to other targets, namely Simone Zaza and Lucas Perez of Juventus and Deportivo respectively, and West Brom are in pole position to land Slimani.
The Baggies had contact with Sporting yesterday, exchanged documents and an official offer is expected to be made soon.
The newspaper say the Baggies have already offered €20m and €25m, and now are finally ready to bid the €30m – the reported fee of Slimani’s release clause which expired in June but because the player is eager to leave, Sporting are willing to honour the release clause in order to not cause commotion.
Crystal Palace have decided to sign Christian Benteke and are also considering Loic Remy on loan from Chelsea as Slimani alternatives.
