Albion leading the chase forWatford ace Deeney
WEST Brom have opened talks with Watford over a swoop for skipper Troy Deeney.
The striker emerged as a potential target for Slaven Bilic last week, with the Hornets willing to let him return to the Premier League after their relegation last term.
Tottenham have also been credited with an interest, but the Birmingham Post understands the Baggies are leading the chase, with the two clubs now locked in negotiations.
Sporting and technical director Luke Dowling is believed to be leading the talks, with his close relationship with bosses at Vicarage Road an advantage in their pursuit. Dowling spent four years as Wat- ford’s sporting director and is keen to bring Deeney to The Hawthorns, with West Brom in the market for some reinforcements going forward.
Meanwhile, Albion are entertaining interest in striker Kenneth Zohore. Clubs have made approaches regarding the availability of the Dane, who arrived last summer in deal worth around £8 million from Cardiff.
He endured a meagre campaign, however, and is being permitted a move. It is unclear at this stage whether Zohore’s impending departure would be permanent or on loan, though the player is understandably keen to seek regular minutes.
And Oliver Burke has been urged to ‘find a home’ this summer, so he might kick on to the international stage.
The winger appears to have little future at The Hawthorns, though he still has two years left on his contract.
The Scottish international has had loans with Celtic and Deportivo Alaves in the last couple of years, but must now find somewhere he can reignite his career, says former Albion boss and Scotland head coach Steve Clarke.
West Brom remain in talks with Sheffield United over a potential swap deal involving Burke and former Baggies’ loanee Callum Robinson. “He had a good spell in Spain last season. He played a lot and picked up more experience,” said Clarke.
“He is getting older and hopefully wiser. What Oli needs is to find a home.
“He has been drifting around from club to club, going here and there.
“He needs a manager who loves him and a club he can call home. When he gets all that, he will improve and get better. He’s still a young man and hasn’t many international caps. I think confidence is a big factor with Oli.”
Meanwhile, Albion’s first competitive pre-season friendly ended in a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest at St George’s Park on Saturday.
Lyle Taylor, Forest’s new signing from Charlton, scored the only goal in the first half.
Albion thought they had taken the lead when Kyle Edwards’ cross was diverted into the net by Matt Phillips, but the winger was ruled offside.
Taylor then converted to hand Forest the lead shortly after.
Head coach Bilic wrung the changes at half-time but Albion couldn’t force an equaliser.