Sporting striker Islam Slimani looks set to finally seal a move to the Premier League, with West Brom leading the race for the Algerian front-man, according to
https://twitter.com/FCPortoGlobal/status/769133882289582080
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The 28-year-old has been the subject of intense transfer speculation this summer, with the likes of title-holderLeicester CityandArsenalsaid to be interested.
According to O Jogo, West Ham, Leicester and Arsenal have all pulled out of the race for Slimani due to their pursuit of other targets, leaving West Brom as the front-runners for the forward.
The Baggies have already had€20m and €25m bids rejected for the striker, but they will return with an improved€30m bid, which is expected to be accepted by the Portuguese club.
#Sporting Slimani despede-se no clássico de domingo. West Brom ofereceu cerca de 30M€ pelo argelino. (via @cmjornal) pic.twitter.com/26ZHjXEpPt
The Algeria international had a€30m release clause in his contract, and while the clause expired in June, Sporting will reportedly keep to their word and move the player on if an offer of that price comes in.
However, West Brom will have to wait until the start of next week to strike a deal, as Sporting need their top-goalscorer as they go up against FC Porto on Sunday.
WATCH: @WBA boss Tony Pulis still confident of making five signings: https://t.co/hX6QHwNLCq #SSNHQ https://t.co/4Nx6TzKMzK
Sporting are reportedly lining upWolfsburg striker Bas Dost as a replacement for Slimani, who scored 27 goals in 33 league games last season.
The prolific forward would be a welcome addition to Tony Pulis' side, who were the second lowestgoal scorersin the Premier League last season, scoring just 34 goals in 38 games.
West Brom were on the verge of signing West Ham forward Diafra Sakho earlier in the summer, but the Senegalese international failed hismedical, prompting the Baggies to pull the plug on a deal.