Exclusive: West Brom in advanced talks to sign player wanted by Tottenham
West Brom are in advanced talks to sign Troy Deeney from Watford after pulling clear of Tottenham in the race for his signature, Football Insider understands.
The Championship outfit have given up hope of persuading the striker, 32, to stay this season as he looks for an instant return to the Premier League.
A Baggies source has told Football Insider that they are working on signing Deeney and have made progress in agreeing the terms of a deal this week.
There has been interest from Tottenham this summer but West Brom are well placed to finalise terms with the Birmingham-born forward.
Slaven Bilic is able to offer the proven Premier League operator regular game time, something he would not get to the same degree at Spurs.
This site revealed last month that Albion technical and sporting director Luke Dowling had begun thrashing out a deal with Hornets chief executive Scott Duxbury.
Watford have accepted they are fighting a losing battle to keep hold of their long-serving captain.
Deeney admitted after his side’s final day relegation that he was unsure about his future and raised the possibility that he would leave Vicarage Road after 10 years at the club.
He has entered the final year of his contract with the Hornets and is believed to be open to a new challenge after 10 years at the Hertfordshire club.
Manager Slaven Bilic wants a proven front man who can keep the pressure on centre-backs and hold the ball up as well as well as provide a regular supply of goals.
Deeney has a wealth of top flight experience, with his 163 Premier League matches yielding 47 goals and 21 assists.
He is also a strong character who the West Brom hierarchy believe can be a significant dressing room influence across what is likely to be a challenging campaign.