Championship pacesetters West Brom have missed out on Mateo Cassierra after the Belenenses striker agreed a move to Russian outfit Sochi, as reported by Mais Futebol.
Touch wood, things could hardly be going better at the Hawthorns right now.
Ten points out of a possible 12, three wins in a row, a 4-0 battering of promotion favourites Sheffield United. Any fears West Bromwich Albion would struggle to adapt to Valerien Ismael’s up-and-at-them approach have been ruthlessly dispelled during a rip-roaring start to the new campaign.
Matt Clarke, meanwhile, has made an impressive impact at centre-half while Alex Mowatt, scorer of a picture-perfect volley at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, is performing like a young Roy Keane, a snarling, navy-and-white blur of aggression and athleticism spilling blood on the midfield battleground.
If there’s one nagging concern in the back of fans’ minds, however, it’s the lack of a 6ft-something centre-forward who can lead the line in a manner Ismael wants.
Karlan Grant has often been utilised in a wider role by the former Barnsley boss while Callum Robinson, despite enjoying an excellent couple of weeks, may not be the long-term solution to a problem position.
West Brom to miss out on Matteo Cassierra
West Brom have been linked with Liam Delap, M’Bala Nzola and Ismael’s former Oakwell hero Daryl Dike.
Talks were also held with Mateo Cassierra, the crafty Colombian who blossomed at Belenenses after struggling at Ajax.
But, according to reports coming out of Portugal this morning, West Brom can wave goodbye to any hopes they may have had of luring Cassierra to the Midlands.
Belenenses have agreed to sell the 24-year-old to PFC Sochi, a team that finished fifth in the Russian Premier League last season while securing qualification for the inaugural UEFA Conference League.
Let’s hope Ismael still has Daryl Dike’s number.
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