Vedat Muriqi of Fenerbahce celebrates after scoring a goal (Getty Images)
According to Turkish Newspaper Takvim (h/t Leeds Live), West Brom have made contact with Fenerbahce over Vedat Muriqi.
The Baggies have in recent months been linked with the 26-year-old striker, who has been in sensational form in the Turkish top-flight. The report also claims that West Brom have even made an official approach for Muriqi, who scored 15 goals and provided 6 assists from 30 league games for the Turkish giants in his maiden season with them.
However, this is not the first time Muriqi has turned heads with his goal-scoring exploits. He grabbed the limelight last season after racking up 17 goals and 8 assists for rivals Caykur Rizespor, prompting Fenerbahce to land him the following summer.
A veteran of 110 Super Lig matches, Muriqi has 37 goals and 14 assists to his name, proving that he is not short of experience.
The Baggies have enjoyed a successful campaign in the Championship and are now second in the league table behind leaders Leeds United. Though their striking department has been pretty decent so far, they are edging closer to a Premier League promotion and need some new faces if they are to stay in the top-flight next season.
West Brom currently have three strikers – Hal Robson-Kanu, Charlie Austin, and newcomer Kenneth Zohore. Bilic has mostly preferred Robson-Kanu and Austin this season, with both the veterans netting in 10 league goals each.
However, they are already past their 30s and West Brom could do with a young striker in their midst to add more firepower to their attack if they get promoted next season.
Zohore, meanwhile, arrived from Cardiff City last summer and has found it difficult to adjust to the new life at the Hawthorns. He has managed just three league goals so far, eventually falling down the pecking order under Bilic.
That said, West Brom’s pursuit of in-form striker Muriqi makes complete sense and they should continue with their efforts to land him ahead of next season.
Muriqi has been in top form in recent years and his addition will only add more strength to West Brom’s attack. Also, he can offer manager Bilic plenty of options in front of goal if they achieve promotion to the Premier League. Moreover, he is only 26 now and could be the torch-bearer of their attack in the coming years.