Makukula on his way to The Hawthorns

Last updated : 13 January 2009 By Wba-mad Editor

Portuguese international striker Ariza Makukula is on his way to The Hawthorns for a medical after Benifca revealed a deal had been struck for the 27-year-old until the end of the season.

The former Nantes, Salamanca and Sevilla front man comes to The Hawthorns after falling down the pecking order at The Stadium of Light netting only three goals in 18 appearances for the Lisbon outfit.

Makukla, who scored on his international debut against Kazakhstan in October 2007, has been far more prolific during his time in Spain when he scored 21 goals in 41 appearances for Salamanca and earned his move to Benfica from Seville in January 2008 after hitting 10 goals in 13 appearances during a loan spell at Portuguese club Maritimo.

Hull were reportedly interested in signing the powerful forward back in August but now look set to lose out to the Baggies with Benfica claiming Albion have the option make the deal permanent in the summer.