SAM ALLARDYCE faces a frantic race against the clock to have Galatasaray striker Mbaye Diagne available for West Brom’s crunch relegation dogfight against Fulham.
The Senegalese striker’s agent, Fatih Ilek, has told Turkish media sources his client is on his way to the Midlands to answer Big Sam’s SOS for a proven goalscorer.
Diagne completed a medical in Istanbul yesterday and has undergone Covid tests but still needs a UK work permit in order to stand a chance of making his debut against the Cottagers.
The 29-year-old has agreed a loan deal until the end of the season, which could become permanent if he helps Albion stay up, after Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim gave his blessing to the move.
Ilek said: “He’s actually happy in Galatasaray but Diagne is going to England.
“This is done. He is going on loan, but there is a mandatory purchase option because Diagne does not fit into Fatih Terim’s system.”
Former Juventus prospect Diagne has hit 11 goals in 19 appearances for Gala this season and joined the club in 2019 after an impressive spell at Kasimpasa.
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A number of forwards have been linked with parachuting into Allardyce’s survival bid ahead of the six-pointer with Fulham.
Former Leicester striker Ahmed Musa and Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke have featured in rumours.
While Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is another reportedly high on West Brom’s shortlist.
