Daryl Dike could be a key player for West Bromwich Albion next season and he could save Steve Bruce from having to spend millions on a new striker.

He has only made two appearances since joining the Baggies from American side Orlando City in January and is currently out with a hamstring injury. As reported by Birmingham Live, Bruce wants Dike to be left out of the USA's international squad this summer and focus on his recovery ahead of pre-season.

The 21-year old has appeared eight times for the Stars and Stripes, scoring three goals, and they have four fixtures this summer just a couple of weeks before West Brom are due to begin their pre-season campaign.

When he eventually returns from injury he will be like a new signing for Bruce and can play a key part in the club's push for promotion next season.

He's highly rated and has been described as a "monster" by journalist Jason Davis. He is no stranger to playing Championship football having spent the second half of last season on loan at Barnsley.

During his time with the Yorkshire club he scored nine goals in 19 appearances helping them reach the play-offs, before returning stateside to help Orlando do the same in the MLS.

This form caught the eye of West Brom who signed him for £7.7m, and if he can replicate it next season then they will have a great player on their hands.

He is currently rated at £9m, and when you compare the form he showed at Barnsley to West Brom strikers Karlan Grant and Andy Carroll this season, he comes out on top.

Dike has a higher number of goals per 90 minutes at 0.63 compared to 0.42 and 0.28 for Grant and Carroll. He also has the highest shots on target percentage at 43%.

It's unlikely that he would come in to replace Grant given how good he's been, but they could form a great partnership and their goals will be key if the Baggies want to make to return to the Premier League.

Making Dike a key part of his plans will free up room and money for Bruce to improve other areas of his squad so surely it's a no brainer.

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