The West Bromwich Albion-linked striker M’Baye Niang is close to joining Saint Etienne on loan, according to Le 10 Sport.
The Sun reported last month that Niang was ‘desperate’ to join West Brom from Rennes.
But L’Equipe later claimed the Baggies’ project was not one that ‘attracts’ the 25-year-old.
And a deal that will see Niang stay in Ligue 1, in the form of a straight loan with no purchase option, is now said to have been concluded.
The French window closed with most of Europe on Monday, but Niang is still allowed to move as a ‘joker’ signing – of which each club is permitted one post-deadline.
West Brom can still recruit from EFL clubs until 16 October, although they may struggle to afford a £12 million deal for the Bournemouth striker, Josh King, according to The Sun.
Both West Brom and West Ham are said to have made contact with Bournemouth regarding a deal for King.
But West Ham, it seems, are frontunners.
Niang scored 15 goals in 36 games for Rennes last season.
And it was reported by Le Parisien in June that the club’s new president, Nicolas Holveck, wanted a minimum of €18-20 million (£16.4-18.2m) for the former Watford loanee.
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