Report names West Brom's first-choice target for second striker once Jay Rodriguez deal is done

West Bromwich Albion are reportedly closing in on a deal for Jay Rodriguez, and have earmarked the second striker they want.

A report from the Express and Star has suggested that West Brom hope to follow up their seemingly-imminent deal for Jay Rodriguez with a move for Watford striker Troy Deeney.

The Express and Star reports that the Baggies are in talks with the Saints about a potential deal for the 27-year-old, and a switch is expected to be finalised next week in a move worth around £12 million.

But, perhaps unsurprisingly given the lack of goals coming from their own strikers during the previous campaign, Tony Pulis is not finished trying to add forwards to his squad ahead of the new Premier League season even if they manage to complete a deal for Rodriguez.

Inter Milan's Jeison Murillo in action with Southampton's Jay Rodriguez Southampton’s Jay Rodriguez

According to the Express and Star, the Baggies plan to make Watford striker Deeney their first-choice target as they look to bolster their goalscoring options further.

Deeney has enjoyed a solid couple of years in the top flight, scoring 23 goals for the Hornets in that time and remaining their talisman as they prepare for their third straight year at the highest level.

Given his importance to the Vicarage Road outfit, it would hardly be a surprise if the Baggies had to part with a significant amount of money to make a deal happen.

But if Pulis is certain that Deeney, along with Rodriguez, can help provide the Baggies with the kind of attacking threat they often lacked during their promising campaign last time out, then it may not be out of the question to suggest that he will be imploring the board to make the kind of offer that Watford simply cannot turn down.

Watford's Troy Deeney Watford’s Troy Deeney