Albion have missed out on another potential new signing after Aroune Kone signalled his intent to join Roberto Martinez at Everton.
The Baggies had pinpointed Kone as a summer signing following an impressive season at relegated Wigan Athletic.
But Everton seem to have won the race for Kone’s signature after his agent signalled his preference to a £6.5m move to Merseyside.
Wilfred Bony was another transfer target Albion missed out on last week after he agreed a £10.2m deal to move to Swansea.
New Wigan boss Owen Coyle told reporters that Kone’s agent had informed him that he wanted to be reunited with his former boss Martinez.
"It’s not rocket science to say that Arouna Kone will probably leave at some point this week,” said Coyle. “There have been a number of offers in for him.
"There is no problem, he goes with our blessing because I need players who need to be at Wigan. If his heart's elsewhere then he's no good to me."
Kone’s decision to join Everton may see the Baggies increase their interest in former Chelsea pair Solomon Kalou and Nicolas Anelka. The former Blues forwards both worked with Steve Clarke during his spell at Stamford Bridge and both have been identified as potential signings.
Kalou, who scored 14 goals for Lille last season, would command a fee – however his wages are not an issue. Anelka is a free agent having been released by Juventus at the end of last season.
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