Steve Clarke is eyeing up a move for Franco Di Santo.
Following Wigan Athletic’s relegation from the Premier League West Bromwich Albion are preparing to snap up striker Franco Di Santo, reports the Mirror.
Manager Steve Clarke sees Di Santo as the ideal replacement for prolific goal-scorer Romelu Lukaku – who has been on-loan at the Hawthorns from Chelsea this season.
Whilst the Blues are considering allowing the Belgian to be loaned out again next campaign, West Brom aren’t prepared to wait that long and want to fill the gap up-front immediately.
Di Santo is currently out of contract at the DW Stadium and is likely to be one of a number of departures from the club following their demotion to the Championship.
The deal is more appealing to Clarke as he could pick the Argentinian up on a free transfer and it is thought the 24-year-old is keen to stay in the Premier League in a bid to make his national squad for the 2014 World Cup.
Di Santo has been a regular feature for Wigan this season, scoring five goals in 24 league starts, although boss Roberto Martinez was more reluctant to field him later in the campaign due to the Argentina international’s refusal to sign a new deal.
If he were to come to the Baggies the striker would have very big boots to fill as Lukaku has been in fine form for the Birmingham side.
The Belgium forward has netted 14 times in his 34 Premier League games, but will return to Stamford Bridge after Sunday’s match against Manchester United.
COMMENTS