Report: West Brom and Nottingham Forest eye deal for Bakary Sako

West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest are reportedly set to battle it out for Bakary Sako's signature.

West Brom and Nottingham Forest are both interested in offering Bakary Sako a contract as both clubs seemingly look to bolster their ranks outside of the transfer window, according to a report from The Sun on Sunday (09/09; page 63).

Sako remains a free agent. The Sun on Sunday reports that he turned down a contract offer from former club Crystal Palace ahead of the summer which allowed the 30-year-old to secure his Selhurst Park exit.

And The Sun on Sunday (09/09; page 63) reports that West Brom and Forest are now considering offering the forward a contract as Darren Moore and Aitor Karanka both target more attacking depth.

Both sides will perhaps be a little underwhelmed with their starts to the season. Forest and West Brom pulled off some of the most exciting deals of the summer between them, but find themselves around mid-table after the first six games.

The Baggies appear to be finding some form. Moore's men have won three of their last four. Karanka's side meanwhile, have only won one of their opening six with four of their games ending in draws.

Sako was not prolific during his time with Palace, but has got an encouraging record in the Championship. He scored 24 goals across two seasons in the division with Wolves before leaving for the Eagles.

And if he does end up joining either, and repeats the sort of strike-rate he boasted from his time at Molineux, then he would arguably be a very shrewd addition for either West Brom or Forest, especially given that he would arrive on a free transfer.