West Brom learn £5m Chelsea transfer fate following Enzo Maresca admission

West Brom will have to look elsewhere for a new striker after being told by Chelsea that transfer target Marc Guiu will instead be loaned to a Premier League club.

Our sister publication, Express & Star, has revealed Albion were keeping tabs on Guiu’s situation but won’t progress with a swoop having been told the attacker isn’t available for a Championship move. Signed from Barcelona for £5 million in the summer, the Spain under-19 international already has an alternative move lined up to a team in the English top tier.

Guiu, a clinical forward with an excellent work rate, has shined whenever handed opportunities by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca. Minutes have been few and far between with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku preferred but Guiu has scored an impressive six goals in six UEFA Europa Conference League outings this term.

Maresca, who has given the green light for the 19-year-old to go out on loan, is pleased with his progress: "Marc is improving a lot. He is doing fantastic,” Maresca said during his most recent press conference. “Day after day he is more ready. But sometimes the decision I takes because I see something, sometimes good sometimes not,” he added.

West Brom weighing up swoop for Marc Guiu alternative

Birmingham World understands the interest in Tottenham Hotspur wonderkid Will Lankshear - originally reported by Football London - is genuine. Albion are among several Championship clubs keen on bringing in the striker on loan, alongside Middlesbrough, Luton Town and Cardiff City.

Still just 19 years of age, Lankshear has made his senior breakthrough for Tottenham this season with six appearances across the Premier League and UEFA Europa League. The teenager scored his first Spurs goal in the latter, netting his team’s equaliser in the 3-2 defeat away at Galatasaray. Rather unfortunately, Lankshear was also sent off in that game for two yellow card offences.

A devastatingly clinical player at youth level, the England U20 international scored 23 goals in 23 Premier League 2 appearances last season before making the step up to the first team. During the campaign preceding that, Lankshear hinted at what he was capable of with four goals and two assists in five U18 Premier League matches.

Albion have been in the hunt for a new striker since Josh Maja suffered a hamstring injury requiring surgery. Daryl Dike is nearly back from a serious Achilles issue but the American will need to be eased in before he plays regularly, so a loan signing is being sought.

Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi was understood to be very close to joining West Brom but an issue was picked up during his medical. The Iraq international joined Stoke City instead and he will spent until the end of the current campaign at Bet365 Stadium.

In other news, West Brom have scheduled contract talks with a winger once signed for £12 million.