Greece striker Georgios Samaras attracting West Brom interest

West Bromwich Albion, 12/5 chances with Coral for Premier League relegation, are interested in signing Greece and ex-Celtic striker Georgios Samaras, following his summer release by the Bhoys.

Baggies head coach Alan Irvine confirmed the 29-year-old was among a number of players that he has made enquiries over, as he looks to strengthen a squad lacking in depth for attacking areas.

Samaras, who has Premier League experience from a two-year spell at Manchester City (January 2006-2008), would be a versatile option for the Baggies in the final third, but is lacking match fitness.

Greece’s number seven won and scored a decisive stoppage time penalty against the Ivory Coast in their final group stage game, which sent his country through to the World Cup last 16. Samaras has been to four major tournaments as an international.

Having held discussions with Bundesliga outfit Hamburg, Serie A side Sampdoria and La Liga pair Malaga and Sevilla, Samaras could now be set to link up with West Brom on a free transfer. The Baggies have just two senior strikers, Victor Anichebe and record buy Brown Ideye, on their books.

England Under-21 international Saido Berahino scored the goals that gave Irvine a 2-2 draw on his Premier League debut at The Hawthorns against Sunderland. At 6ft 4in, Samaras offers height to Albion up front as well. Often deployed wide on the left for Celtic, he managed 74 goals in 248 appearances for the Glasgow giants.

At City, then without the rich investment which has underpinned their subsequent success, Samaras struggled to make an impact, scoring just eight times in 54 Premier League outings. Other reported Albion targets to bolster their attack are believed to be West Ham United winger Matt Jarvis, and left-footed Atletico Madrid and Uruguay star Cristian Rodriguez.

Both names linked to the Baggies have slipped down the pecking order at their respective current clubs, because of summer signings. West Brom are 4/1 shots to crash the top 10 this term.