Matej Vydra has been linked with a return to West Bromwich Albion from Championship rivals Derby County.
And, while the Czech striker flopped badly in his first spell with the Baggies, he would immediately take on the mantle of talisman should he make a return to the Midlands this summer.
Leeds United have been heavily linked with Vydra, who Derby County could be forced to sell this summer for around £7 million as they look to slash the budget, according to the Mirror. But it is understood that West Brom are also interested and would be capable of offering a far higher wage.
Supporters may be a little sceptical considering that Vydra managed a grand total of three goals in 25 games during a 2013/14 loan spell at West Brom from Italian side Udinese. He simply could not cut it in the Premier League.
But now that West Brom have been relegated to the Championship, the opportunity to re-sign Vydra is one the club must seize with both hands. The 26-year-old is quite simply one of the most feared marksmen at this level.
He won the Golden Boot just a month ago, firing 21 goals as Derby reached the play-offs. This is the second time Vydra has broken the 20-goal barrier. He repeated the trick during a stellar spell at Watford in 2012/13, winning the Championship’s Player of the Year award to boot.
With Salomon Rondon, Jay Rodriguez and Hal Robson-Kanu all linked with moves away, West Brom will need a new striker. And Baggies fans should put Vydra’s dreadful first spell out of their minds if he returns.
After all, he is the man who could bring Premier League football back to West Bromwich.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
