West Brom manager Roberto Di Matteo is hoping to land Manchester United forward Federico Macheda on loan.
United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is reportedly keen to let the 19-year-old Italian leave Old Trafford on a temporary basis in order to play more first-team football.
And Di Matteo, who was keen to land Macheda in the summer, has again confirmed his interest in the player, who has made just 12 first-team appearances and scored only one goal so far this season.
The Italian said: “Macheda is someone we looked at right at the start of last season.
“He’s a striker, we are after a striker and we have to look at whether Manchester United will let him join us.”
However, the Hawthorns club will face a fight to land Macheda after his representative, Marcello Bonetto, recently told the Italian press that a return to the striker’s native Italy was the preferred move.
He had told Fiorentina.it: “We talked it over and were given the all-clear by Ferguson to go on loan for six months in January to gain experience.
“If we do decide to leave Manchester, then Italy represent the most likely destination.
“Up until now we have not been contacted by anybody, but will only choose a club that can guarantee Federico consistent playing time.”